Radiolucent Pelvic Reduction System Multi-Planar Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for stabilizing and reducing pelvic ring fractures are challenging due to the complexity of pelvic anatomy and the need for multi-planar alignment, which often results in substantial manual pressure, potential nerve or vessel injury, and inadequate alignment with uni-planar traction.

Innovation Solution

A radiolucent pelvic reduction system using semi-circular carbon fiber rings clamped to an operating table, allowing for multi-planar alignment and stabilization of fractured bones through adjustable crossbars, reducing the need for substantial manual traction and minimizing soft tissue dissection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual traction and uni-planar traction are used to achieve fracture reduction, then fracture alignment can be achieved, but the pressure required is substantial and may cause nerve or vessel injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefracture alignment precisionVSAvoidnerve or vessel injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from uni-planar traction to multi-planar alignment by introducing a pelvic ring fixation device that applies forces in multiple planes simultaneously. The device includes superior and inferior fixation points connected by rods, allowing alignment in vertical, horizontal, and rotational planes, thereby achieving precise fracture reduction without requiring substantial manual traction pressure that could harm nerves or vessels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual pressure is applied to correct fracture deformity, then fracture reduction can be achieved, but the force required is substantial due to deforming forces from major muscle groups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefracture reduction accuracyVSAvoidtraction force magnitude
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system (the pelvic ring fixation device) between the surgeon and the bone. The device includes fixation pins inserted into the pelvic bones, connected by rods that form a rigid structure. This intermediary system allows the surgeon to apply controlled forces through the rod mechanism rather than applying substantial manual pressure directly to the bone, reducing the risk of muscle group counterforces and enabling precise fracture reduction with manageable forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If percutaneous screw fixation is used to stabilize pelvic ring disruptions, then definitive stabilization can be achieved, but the procedure requires multi-planar fluoroscopic imaging and skilled radiology technician coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first establishing the pelvic ring fixation device with superior and inferior fixation points before performing definitive screw fixation. The multi-planar fluoroscopic imaging is used to guide the placement of the fixation pins and rods in advance, ensuring proper alignment and positioning. This preliminary stabilization structure is then in place to guide and facilitate the subsequent definitive screw fixation procedure, reducing the overall complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional skeletal traction is used to improve alignment, then alignment can be achieved, but the traction must be uni-planar longitudinal which is insufficient for perfect reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone alignment precisionVSAvoidalignment plane versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the traction approach by moving from uni-planar longitudinal traction to multi-planar alignment. The pelvic ring fixation device enables application of forces in superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, and rotational planes simultaneously. The rod structure connected to fixation pins allows adjustment and application of forces in multiple dimensions, providing versatile alignment capability that addresses complex pelvic fractures more effectively than traditional single-plane traction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20230091158A1System, Kit and Apparatus for Attachment of External Fixators for Bone Realignment
Publication Date: 2023.03.23 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST
  • US20230091158A1 patent drawing
  • US20230091158A1 patent drawing
  • US20230091158A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention includes a system, kit and apparatus to aid in the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The present invention provides a substantially rigid orthopedic stabilization scaffold for attachment of one or more external fixators for the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The orthopedic stabilization scaffold includes a first anchorable frame and a second anchorable frame that are connectable at a point and removably attachable to an operating table.