Poly-axial Bone Staple with Diverging Beveled Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone staples in orthopedic surgery provide only static compression and are limited to axial compression, which may not be suitable for all surgical procedures, particularly those requiring poly-axial compression to avoid deleterious shear forces and ensure stable bone fusion.
Innovation Solution
A bone staple design featuring a crown portion with radially disposed legs of alternating lengths, where the legs diverge outwardly upon insertion to provide poly-axial compression, and optional articulation wires or screws for additional compression, allowing for simultaneous compression in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bone staple provides only axial compression, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot accommodate varying bone geometries and may introduce deleterious shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bone staple is divided into multiple legs (at least three legs) that can be independently positioned and angled relative to each other. Each leg can be oriented at different angles (e.g., 0-45 degrees) to match the specific geometry of bone surfaces, allowing the staple to adapt to varying bone shapes and orientations without requiring a complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple design incorporates adjustable or flexible legs that can be positioned at different angles and secured at various locations along the bone surfaces. This dynamic positioning capability allows the staple to adapt to different bone geometries and compression requirements, transforming a static structure into a versatile, adjustable system.
2Reliability
If a bone staple provides only static axial compression, then the insertion process remains simple, but it cannot provide poly-axial compression to avoid shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is segmented across multiple legs rather than relying on a single axial compression mechanism. Each leg can independently engage with bone surfaces and provide compression forces at different angles, collectively achieving poly-axial compression that eliminates shear forces while maintaining a relatively simple insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple compression functions are merged into a single staple device. The staple combines axial compression with oblique compression forces by positioning legs at different angles, creating a unified device that provides poly-axial compression simultaneously without requiring multiple separate insertion steps or devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If a bone staple uses a simple U-shaped configuration, then manufacturing remains straightforward, but it cannot provide comprehensive poly-axial compression
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is segmented into multiple legs (at least three) that can be manufactured as separate components or integrated into a single piece. This segmentation allows each leg to be optimized for specific compression directions while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through standard fabrication processes like laser cutting or bending of metal sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple design extends from a simple two-dimensional U-shaped configuration to a three-dimensional structure with legs positioned at multiple angles and orientations. This dimensional expansion enables poly-axial compression capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through techniques such as laser cutting, bending, and folding of flat patterns into three-dimensional configurations.
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 bone staple achieves comprehensive and symmetric poly-axial compression, enhancing bone stability and fusion by accommodating varying bone geometries and reducing the risk of shear forces, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The bevels impart a diverging directional force on the plurality of legs upon insertion of the staple into bone, causing the plurality of legs to elastically flex outwardly to effect compression of the bone between the plurality of legs
Data Source
AI summary
A method of affixing bone segments using a bone staple having a plurality of legs with inwardly-directed and obliquely-inclined bevels, whereby implanting the bone staple into the bone segments imparts inwardly directed compression between the bone segments.