Polyaxial Bone Staple Compression for Oblique Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone staples provide only static axial compression, which may not be suitable for oblique positioning and can introduce shear forces, and they lack the ability to maintain compression over time or against deleterious distractive forces.
Innovation Solution
A bone staple design with a crown portion and engagement portion featuring legs of alternating lengths and bevels that diverge from a central axis upon insertion, allowing for poly-axial compression and symmetric compression of bone segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If axial compression is applied through traditional bone staples, then compression force is achieved, but shear forces are introduced when oblique positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis (axial) compression to multi-axis (polyaxial) compression by allowing the compression element to operate in multiple directional dimensions. This enables symmetric compression forces to be applied along the longitudinal axis of the bone while avoiding harmful shear forces that result from oblique positioning in traditional axial compression systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the compression element relative to the staple legs, where the compression element is offset from the central axis of the staple. This asymmetric configuration allows the compression forces to be distributed symmetrically along the bone's longitudinal axis while the compression element itself maintains an asymmetric relationship to the staple structure, enabling polyaxial compression capability.
2Force
If traditional bone staples are used for compression, then initial compression is achieved, but compression is not maintained over time or against distractive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static compression system into a dynamic one by introducing a movable compression element that can adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic compression element is capable of self-adjustment in response to changing bone healing conditions and distractive forces, allowing compression to be maintained over time rather than being fixed at the initial insertion state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the compression element responds to forces applied to the bone by automatically adjusting its compression output. When distractive forces are applied to the bone, the compression element detects this change and increases compression forces to counteract the distraction, maintaining continuous compression throughout the healing process.
3Device complexity
If static compression staples are used, then simple design is maintained, but adaptability to different surgical demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal bone fixation system where the staple structure can perform multiple functions: providing structural support, applying compression, and allowing polyaxial positioning. The compression element can be positioned at various angles and orientations while maintaining effective compression, making the system adaptable to different surgical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
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 design enables simultaneous compression in multiple directions, enhancing stability and resistance to distractive forces, preventing staple displacement and ensuring continuous compression during bone healing.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of legs are resiliently flexible relative to the crown portion and are configured to diverge from the central axis upon insertion into bone to effect symmetric poly-axial compression of the bone segments
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fixation device or bone staple includes a crown portion, an engagement portion, and an outer rim generally defined between the crown portion and the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a plurality of legs extending from the outer rim in a direction away from the crown portion. The plurality of legs are generally radially disposed and evenly spaced apart around the outer rim. The legs are beveled to provide a compressive effect to the bone when the staple is inserted into the bone.