Orthopedic Plate Bushing for Adaptive Screw Angulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic plate and screw assemblies face issues with screw anchoring strength and stability due to non-perpendicular screw entry angles, leading to loosening, backout, and potential new fractures, especially when the bone surface is not flat.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic plate assembly featuring a fastener with a bushing and notch system that allows for adaptive angulation and secure anchoring, using a softer material bushing to prevent screw backout and a tapered opening to accommodate varying bone surfaces, ensuring firm attachment and preventing rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screws are anchored into bone at non-perpendicular angles due to non-flat bone surfaces, then the surgical procedure can proceed, but the anchoring strength and stability deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the screw head and the bone surface. It provides a bearing surface that allows the screw to be anchored at non-perpendicular angles while maintaining stability. The bushing compensates for the non-flat bone surface, enabling the screw to achieve proper anchoring without requiring the bone surface to be perfectly perpendicular to the screw axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing allows for parameter changes in the anchoring configuration by accommodating varying angles of screw insertion. Instead of requiring a fixed perpendicular orientation, the bushing enables the screw to be anchored at different angles while maintaining reliable fixation through the intermediate bearing surface it provides.
2Device complexity
If conventional plate and screw assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but screws may backout or loosen over time causing adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is nested within the opening of the orthopedic plate, and the screw head is nested within the bushing. This nested configuration allows the bushing to provide additional retention features that prevent screw backout, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The bushing can include internal threads or other retention mechanisms that engage with the screw head to prevent loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing serves as an intermediary component that enhances screw retention. It provides a bearing surface and can include retention features such as internal threads or engagement mechanisms that prevent the screw from backing out. This intermediate component adds reliability without significantly increasing the overall complexity of the device.
3Productivity
If screws are anchored at non-perpendicular angles, then the procedure can be completed, but the effectiveness and anchoring strength deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing provides a stable intermediate bearing surface that maintains anchoring effectiveness over time, even when screws are anchored at non-perpendicular angles. It compensates for the angular deviation and distributes loads more evenly, preventing the deterioration of anchoring strength that would otherwise occur with non-perpendicular insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing enables parameter changes in the anchoring configuration by accommodating varying insertion angles. It transforms the non-ideal non-perpendicular anchoring into an effective configuration by providing an intermediate bearing surface that maintains proper load distribution and anchoring effectiveness over the long term.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate generally to orthopedic plate assemblies comprising a fastener, a first and second bushing, and a plate. The fastener comprises a head and an elongated body. The first bushing comprises an interior surface operable to receive the fastener head and a notch actuatable to contact against the fastener head. The second bushing comprises an interior surface operable to receive at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first bushing, an exterior surface comprising flat surface portions disposed about opposite sides of the second bushing, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The plate comprises an opening operable to receive at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bushing, said opening comprising a pair of flat surface portions operable to contact with the pair of flat surface portions of the second bushing.