Orthopedic Staple Dynamic Bridge Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic staple systems fail to apply compressive force effectively at the bridge area, limiting bone healing and remodeling, especially in complex or delicate bone structures, due to their static nature.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic staple system with a dynamically adjustable bridge, incorporating chevron or 'S' shapes and a screw mechanism that allows for variable positioning, providing active compression across the entire joint, including the bridge area, to facilitate comprehensive bone healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid bridge connects the two penetrating legs of the staple, then mechanical compression is provided across the fixation site, but the bridge area cannot apply compressive force to the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is transformed from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure capable of movement and compression. The bridge includes a proximal articulation that allows it to move relative to the staple body, enabling the bridge to apply compressive force to the bone at the fixation site while maintaining structural integrity for overall mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple is divided into functionally independent segments: a staple body with penetrating legs, a movable bridge, and a proximal articulation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the legs provide anchoring, the articulation enables movement, and the bridge applies compression - resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptive compression capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bridge is made rigid to provide structural support, then mechanical stability is maintained, but the bridge cannot participate in dynamic movement for bone compression
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge system incorporates a proximal articulation that enables controlled dynamic movement between the bridge and staple body. This articulation mechanism allows the bridge to move and apply compression forces to the bone while the overall staple structure maintains structural stability through the interconnected components and anchoring legs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the staple have different mechanical properties tailored to their functions. The penetrating legs and staple body maintain rigidity for structural stability and anchoring, while the bridge incorporates mobility through the articulation mechanism to enable dynamic compression movements at the specific location where bone compression is needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a static staple design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but comprehensive bone healing including bridge area compression cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The staple incorporates a movable bridge with proximal articulation that enables dynamic compression at the bridge area, significantly improving bone healing effectiveness. The mechanism uses articulated connections between components that can be manufactured using standard orthopedic implant fabrication techniques, maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior clinical outcomes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures consistent and adaptive compression, enhancing bone healing by distributing uniform forces across the fracture site, reducing healing time and improving outcomes in complex fractures.
Implementation Method 1
A compression element, e.g., a chevron or 'S' shape, can be incorporated within the bridge of the staple. The compression element can be pre-compressed in a chevron shape... The compression portion can be expanded prior to insertion and then released to enhance compression during a procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic staple system and orthopedic staple are configured to facilitate bone healing through dynamic and adjustable compression. The system comprises the orthopedic staple having a bridge portion and one or more legs that anchor into bone structure. The bridge portion is configurable to include compression features, comprising a pre-compressed chevron, an “S” shaped deformable path, or other suitable geometries to enable active post-operative compression. The staple can be configured to accommodate a single screw or multiple screws, which interact with the bridge to apply targeted compressive forces. Screws can be seated in either fixed or translatable pockets within the bridge, facilitating variable angle adjustments and bone remodeling. This system is optimized for minimally invasive surgical applications, promoting healing and integration, and enhancing overall patient outcomes.