Orthopedic Fastener Guide With Rotatable Angular Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods and instruments for osteotomy, joint fusion, and fracture fixation procedures lack the ability to securely fasten bone portions or implants with flexibility and precision, particularly in adjusting angular alignment and stabilizing bone fractures or joints.

Innovation Solution

A system for deploying a fixation member into a bone fastener using a guide with a rotatable engagement member that secures the fastener at various orientations, featuring a lock mechanism and inserter components to facilitate precise alignment and stabilization of bone portions or implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing methods and instruments are used for osteotomy and fracture fixation, then basic bone fixation can be achieved, but the ability to securely fasten bone portions with flexibility and precision for angular alignment adjustment is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular alignment precisionVSAvoidflexibility in adjusting angular alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide assembly incorporates a rotatable engagement member that can be rotated to different orientations and locked in place, allowing dynamic adjustment of the guide's angular alignment. This enables the system to adapt to various angular requirements while maintaining precise fixation once the desired orientation is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide assembly is divided into separate functional components including a guide body, engagement member, and lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall precision and flexibility of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If existing fixation instruments are used, then bone portions can be stabilized, but the ability to securely fasten implants with precise alignment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization of bone portionsVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with a guided insertion system that uses a rotatable engagement member and lock mechanism to precisely control the orientation and position of the fixation member, thereby improving alignment precision while maintaining reliable stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a fixed orientation guide is used, then simple alignment is achieved, but flexibility in adjusting angular alignment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of alignmentVSAvoidangular adjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement member is designed to be rotatable relative to the guide body, allowing the operator to adjust the guide to different angular orientations as needed. The lock mechanism then secures the guide in the desired position, combining ease of adjustment with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If a rotatable guide system is added to enable angular adjustments, then flexibility and precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular alignment precisionVSAvoidguide assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (guide body, engagement member, lock mechanism) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modular approach manages complexity by allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member serves multiple functions: it provides rotational adjustment, maintains the desired orientation, and works with the lock mechanism to secure the guide. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12514709B2Orthopedic fasteners, instruments, and methods

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 MEDARTIS AG

AI summary

A system for deploying a fixation member into an aperture of a bone fastener includes a guide having a body that includes a proximal end and a distal end. The guide includes a guide member coupled to the body near the proximal end. The guide member is configured to guide placement of the fixation member to secure the bone fastener. The system includes an engagement member coupled to the body near the distal end. The engagement member is configured to engage the bone fastener such that the guide member is rotatable, relative to the bone fastener, about an engagement axis to the guide member at any of the plurality of relative orientations about the engagement axis.