Pivotable Fracture Fixation Plate Heads for Unstable Bone Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fracture fixation plates for the distal radius require pre-reduction of fractures before application, which can be challenging for unstable bone fragments.
Innovation Solution
A volar fracture fixation plate with pivotable and tiltable heads that can be attached to unstable bone fragments, allowing for alignment and reduction of fractures before being locked into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fracture fixation plate is used, then the plate can be applied to the bone, but the fracture must be reduced prior to application which is challenging for unstable bone fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates movable heads that can pivot and translate relative to the plate body, allowing the fixation device to adapt dynamically to unstable bone fragments. This dynamic capability enables the plate to be applied before fracture reduction, as the heads can move to accommodate misaligned fragments during the application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed to be applied to the bone before fracture reduction is achieved. The movable heads allow the plate to be positioned and secured in advance, and then the bone fragments can be reduced while the plate remains in place, ultimately improving the reliability of fixation.
2Ease of operation
If the plate is applied before fracture reduction, then the application process is simplified, but the unstable bone fragments cannot be properly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The movable heads with pivot and translation capabilities provide the dynamic adjustment needed to achieve precise alignment of bone fragments after the plate is applied. This resolves the contradiction by allowing both early application and precise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate allows for parameter changes in the position and orientation of the heads relative to the plate body. This enables the heads to be repositioned to achieve precise alignment of bone fragments while maintaining the benefit of early plate application.
3Manufacturing precision
If the plate requires pre-reduction of fractures, then alignment is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plate enables preliminary application to the bone before fracture reduction, simplifying the surgical procedure. The movable heads maintain alignment capability, so precision is not compromised while the overall procedure becomes less complex and time-consuming.
4Strength
If the plate is made rigid for stable fixation, then fixation strength is improved, but the plate cannot adapt to unstable bone fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into a rigid body and movable heads. The body provides rigid fixation strength, while the heads provide adaptability through their ability to pivot and translate. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rigid body and dynamic heads creates a hybrid structure that provides both fixation strength and adaptability. The rigid body ensures strong fixation once positioned, while the movable heads allow adaptation to unstable fragments during application and positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a fracture fixation plate assembly comprised of a body, a hinge, a pin, and one or more heads, in which the head or heads can pivot and displace laterally/medially and can tilt vertically with respect to the body of the plate, more efficiently and flexibly enabling the fastening of the body of the plate to a stable part of the bone prior to reduction of the fractured portion or portions of the bone.