Osteosynthesis Nail for Calcaneus Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current osteosynthesis methods for calcaneus fractures face challenges in stabilizing complex fractures while minimizing infection risk and promoting bone consolidation, as existing techniques either lead to cutaneous complications or require large skin incisions.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical osteosynthesis nail with an axial bore and longitudinally offset through-holes for screw passage, along with oblong slots for ancillary tools, allowing for minimal skin incision insertion and stable fracture stabilization, facilitating bone repositioning and consolidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional osteosynthesis screws are used to stabilize fractured bone fragments, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but multiple screws are required which increases surgical complexity and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple osteosynthesis screws into a single integrated nail device with multiple threaded portions along its length. This single nail can stabilize multiple fractured bone fragments simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate screws and reducing surgical complexity while maintaining reliable fracture stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The osteosynthesis nail serves multiple functions: it acts as both an insertion tool (with its insertion tip) and a fixation device (with its threaded portions). The single device performs both the function of driving itself into the bone and providing long-term stabilization, reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If an osteosynthesis plate is implanted via external lateral approach, then satisfactory stabilization of fractured bone fragments is achieved, but large skin incision is required which increases infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of approaching the fracture site externally through large incisions as with plate osteosynthesis, the invention inverts the approach by inserting the nail percutaneously through a small incision. The nail is driven through the bone from the outside, allowing stabilization without exposing the fracture site and thereby minimizing infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The nail features a flexible or resilient insertion tip that can deform during insertion and then elastic rebound to expand within the bone cavity. This allows the rigid fixation device to be inserted through a small incision via a flexible delivery mechanism, minimizing the skin incision size and associated infection risk.
3Reliability
If multiple osteosynthesis screws are placed percutaneously, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but several insertion points are required which increases surgical time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple screw functions into a single nail with multiple threaded portions at different locations along its length. This allows stabilization of multiple fractured segments through one continuous insertion process rather than requiring separate screw placements at multiple insertion points, significantly reducing surgical time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nail is pre-configured with multiple threaded portions and an insertion tip during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be inserted in a single action and automatically provide multi-point fixation, eliminating the need for sequential screw placements and reducing surgical time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an osteosynthesis pin (2), in particular for a fracture of a calcaneum, which includes a generally cylindrical hollow body (3) comprising an axial bore (4) extending over the entire length thereof, a plurality of through-holes (5) staggered longitudinally relative to one another and intended for attachment screws to pass therethrough, and at least one oblong opening (6) suitable for an ancillary instrument to pass therethrough for repositioning fractured bone fragments.