Orthopaedic Plate Tissue Protector Detachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopaedic devices often cause injury to surrounding soft tissue during bone fracture repair or spinal fusion surgery due to the inability to effectively manage soft tissue interference with drill bits and screws, which hinders a minimally invasive approach.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic device featuring an orthopaedic plate with a tissue protector that securely attaches to the plate and partially detaches after a force is applied, utilizing a thinned region to prevent tissue interference and facilitate minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tissue retractor is used to hold soft tissue away from the orthopaedic plate and drill, then soft tissue protection is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases and minimally invasive approach is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue protector is integrated directly onto the orthopaedic plate, merging the functions of plate fixation and tissue protection into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate tissue retractors and reduces procedural complexity while maintaining soft tissue protection
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue protector acts as an intermediary element between the orthopaedic plate and the surrounding soft tissue. It provides a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the drill/screws and soft tissue during the procedure
2Strength
If conventional orthopaedic plate with screw holes is used, then plate fixation is achieved, but soft tissue gets caught and wound around drill or screws
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopaedic plate is segmented into functional zones: screw holes for fixation and tissue protector regions for soft tissue protection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the orthopaedic plate have different properties - the plate itself provides structural strength for fixation, while the integrated tissue protector regions provide soft tissue protection where needed. Each region is optimized for its specific function
3Measurement precision
If drill guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes and used with extension, then drilling guidance is improved, but additional tools and steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue protector serves multiple functions including acting as a drill guide, eliminating the need for separate drill guide tips and extensions. The protective structure itself provides the guidance function, reducing tool complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
An orthopaedic device for repairing a portion of a body comprises an orthopaedic plate and a tissue protector. The orthopaedic plate is configured to attach to at least one bone. The tissue protector is securely attached to the orthopaedic plate and configured to at least partially detach from the orthopaedic plate after a force is applied to the tissue protector. The tissue protector includes a thinned region at a portion of the tissue protector proximate to the orthopaedic plate. A method of repairing parts of a body with an orthopaedic device having an orthopaedic plate and a tissue protector securely attached to the orthopaedic plate comprises placing the orthopaedic plate on at least one bone; fastening a fastener into the tissue protector and then the orthopaedic plate; and detaching the tissue protector from the orthopaedic plate after the fastener is completely fastened into the tissue protector and the orthopaedic plate.