Polyaxial Bone Plate Positioning Device with Alignment Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plate osteosynthesis techniques require extensive surgical experience for precise screw placement, as the exact positioning of screws in bones is challenging due to the lack of accurate alignment tools.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a plate holder and adjustment mechanism, featuring a navigation device and display system, which allows for precise alignment and secure fixation of bone plates to bones using a combination of fastening devices and a support system, enabling intuitive and minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional discrete openings in the plate are used for screw insertion, then the plate structure remains simple, but the screw placement precision deteriorates due to lack of alignment guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The plate structure is segmented by introducing discrete openings with alignment guides that divide the plate into functional zones. Each opening contains specific alignment features (longitudinal and transverse guides) that segment the screw insertion process into precise directional steps, improving placement accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the entire plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment guides are introduced as intermediary elements within the plate openings. These guides act as mediators between the screw and the bone, providing directional reference and positioning assistance. The guides translate the general opening location into precise screw placement positions through longitudinal and transverse alignment features.
2Ease of operation
If extensive surgical experience is required for precise screw placement, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the operational difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guides and reference markers are pre-configured in the plate structure before surgery. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for complex intraoperative measurements and calculations. The surgeon can directly follow the pre-established guides to achieve precise screw placement, reducing both operational difficulty and procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure provides self-aligning features through its openings and guides that automatically indicate the correct screw insertion path and position. The system serves itself by providing built-in reference systems that do not require external alignment tools or complex surgical techniques, enabling even less experienced surgeons to achieve accurate placement efficiently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polyaxial plate with multiple screw angles is used, then the adaptability to different bone structures improves, but the alignment complexity and risk of collision with anatomical structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guides are designed with asymmetric longitudinal and transverse components that correspond to the specific polyaxial geometry of the plate. Each opening contains guides oriented at specific angles that match the intended screw insertion directions. This asymmetric design provides clear visual and physical cues for multi-angle screw placement while maintaining systematic organization that reduces alignment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system incorporates three-dimensional reference features including longitudinal guides, transverse guides, and depth markers that operate in multiple spatial dimensions. This multi-dimensional approach allows the plate to accommodate screws at various angles (polyaxial capability) while providing comprehensive alignment guidance in each dimension, preventing collision with anatomical structures through spatial reference systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a positioning device comprising a plate holder with a first fastening device for releasably fastening the plate holder to the plate, and with a second fastening device; a receptacle for an adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one navigation device, and wherein the navigation device is designed to receive, at least in sections, an interlocking device, and/or an instrument for acting on the interlocking device and/or; wherein the receptacle comprises at least one third fastening device or is connected thereto; wherein one element from the group consisting of the second fastening device and the third fastening device comprises a hole section with a plurality of holes, and wherein the other element of the group is designed as an insertion section, wherein the insertion section and the holes are designed for releasably connecting the second fastening device to the third fastening device.