Intramedullary Rod Pivotable Fastener for Femur Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current femoral fracture treatment devices require a large inventory of nails with varying static angles to accommodate different fracture types, and existing nails lack the ability to dynamically adjust fixation angles during treatment.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary rod with a pivotable fastener mechanism that allows the angle of the fastener to be adjusted relative to the nail, enabling dynamic compression and improved fixation strength across different fracture sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nails with varying static angles are used to accommodate different fracture types, then the ability to treat various fracture angles is improved, but the inventory complexity and device variety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the fastener angle relative to the nail to be changed after insertion. The fastener can be pivoted between multiple angular positions (e.g., 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°) using a pivotable connection between the fastener and the nail, enabling a single nail to adapt to different fracture configurations without requiring multiple static-angle nails in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary nail is designed with universal applicability through a standardized fastener system that can accommodate multiple fracture types and angles. The nail includes a head with a fastener receptacle that accepts fasteners with adjustable angular orientations, allowing one nail design to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized nail variants.
2Device complexity
If static angled screws are used for fixation, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to dynamically adjust fixation angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system transitions from static to dynamic by incorporating a pivotable connection mechanism. The fastener can be rotated or pivoted relative to the nail axis within a controlled range, allowing post-insertion adjustment of the fixation angle. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different fracture patterns and intraoperative findings while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through mechanical pivot joints.
Data Source
AI summary
An intramedullary rod for repairing a femur includes an elongate nail extending along a longitudinal axis and having a stem and a head. The head has a first aperture extending along a first axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving a first fastener and a second aperture extending along a second axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving a second fastener. A mechanism is carried by the head for pivoting the first axis from a first angled position relative to the head to a second angled position relative to the head. The second axis is nonpivotable relative to the head. An apparatus and method are provided.