Osteotomy Bone Plate and Sled Retraction for Stable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone shortening osteotomy apparatuses fail to effectively retain bone alignment and secure cut bone portions, as mechanisms for retracting bone can become dislodged and are difficult to manipulate, leading to misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
A bone shortening osteotomy apparatus featuring a bone plate with a compression block and sled assembly, utilizing K-wires with convergent barrels and jacking screws to stabilize and align cut bone portions, along with additional fasteners and guide pins for secure retention and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bone shortening apparatuses are used, then bone cutting can be performed, but the bone portions become misaligned and unstable during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
A bone plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the bone segments and the retraction mechanism. The bone plate provides a stable platform with multiple attachment points (K-wire barrels, fastener apertures) that securely hold the bone portions in alignment while the retraction apparatus operates on the plate rather than directly on the bone, improving both stability and ease of manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a compression block for applying force, a sled assembly for guiding movement, and a jacking screw for generating retraction force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and makes the overall system easier to control and manipulate during the retraction process
2Reliability
If the retraction mechanism is made more secure, then bone alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural platform, an alignment guide, a retention mechanism (via K-wire barrels and fastener apertures), and a interface for the retraction apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving bone retention security
Solution Approach 2:
The K-wire barrels, fastener apertures, and retraction mechanism attachment points are merged into a single integrated bone plate structure. This consolidation allows multiple retention and retraction functions to be achieved through one component, simplifying the overall apparatus structure while maintaining secure bone retention
3Reliability
If conventional bone plates are used, then bone fixation is possible, but they cannot securely hold cut bone portions during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is designed with specialized local features at different locations: K-wire barrels at the distal end for securing the second bone portion, fastener apertures for securing the first bone portion, and a slotted aperture for the retraction mechanism. Each local area has specific structural characteristics optimized for its particular function, enabling secure retention of cut bone portions while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate incorporates three-dimensional structural features including angled K-wire barrels, depth-oriented fastener apertures, and vertically positioned slotted apertures. These dimensional variations allow the plate to engage bone portions from multiple directions and provide secure retention while maintaining a relatively simple overall planar structure
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 apparatus effectively stabilizes and retains cut bone portions in alignment, preventing misalignment and ensuring secure retraction, facilitating rapid healing and improved surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A jacking screw extends between the compression block and the sled assembly, and turning the jacking screw draws the sled assembly toward the compression block
Implementation Method 2
The barrel angle is the angle between the K-wire barrels or the apertures therethrough. The two K-wires and K-wire barrels extend non-parallel to each other and may be convergent with respect to each other toward the bone plate and bone
Implementation Method 3
A compression block is retained to the bone plate in a fixed position and the sled assembly is slidably engaged along the length of the bone plate
Data Source
AI summary
A bone shortening osteotomy apparatus is configured to provide positive retention of the bone portions as the two cut bone portions are retracted. The apparatus utilizes a bone plate with a compression block detachable attached in a fixed position and a sled assembly that is slidably engaged with the bone plate. A jacking screw extends from the sled to the compression block to draw these two components together. K-wire barrels coupled to the sled converge to direct K-wires into bone. Sled guide pins extend between the sled and the compression block and preferably on opposing sides of the jacking screw to ensure straight movement of the sled toward the compression block. A cutting guide has guide slots for guiding a cutting implement through the bone. A slot wedge may be inserted through the guide slot after cutting the bone to stabilize the cutting guide and bone for subsequent cutting.