Polyaxial Joint External Fixator for Wrist Fracture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional external fixators for distal radius fractures are bulky, heavy, and fail to optimally restore bone joint alignment and motion, with complications arising from the bone-pin interface and difficulty in visualization and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A reduced profile external fixator system with a multi-axial or polyaxial joint and quick release mechanisms, allowing for optimal alignment and adjustment of fractured bones during surgery and post-procedure, featuring a lightweight design and enhanced visualization features to improve surgical efficiency and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixator designs are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but the device becomes large, bulky, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator is divided into separate modular components including a proximal frame assembly, distal frame assembly, and intermediate assembly that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining overall structural integrity and stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the fixator are designed with different properties - the frame assemblies use lightweight construction while the compression brackets provide localized compression force where needed. The compression brackets are spaced apart to create elongated openings that reduce weight while maintaining compression capability.
2Reliability
If traditional external fixator designs are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but the overall profile becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fixator into distributed frame assemblies connected by an intermediate assembly, the overall profile is reduced while maintaining stabilization. The spaced-apart compression brackets create elongated openings that minimize the device's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression brackets are positioned in a distributed pattern along the longitudinal axis, creating elongated openings that optimize the profile in multiple dimensions while maintaining compression capability across the fracture site.
3Reliability
If traditional external fixator designs are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but visualization of the fractured region is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The compression brackets are spaced apart rather than continuous, creating elongated openings that provide visual access to the fracture site while maintaining stabilization. This segmented design allows surgeons to visualize the fractured region without removing the fixator.
4Reliability
If traditional external fixator designs are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but adjustment of alignment and motion is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate assembly incorporates a polyaxial joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the distal frame assembly relative to the proximal frame assembly in multiple directions. This enables easy adjustment of bone alignment and restoration of wrist motion (flexion/extension, supination/pronation, radial/ulnar deviation) while maintaining stabilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved external fixator assembly for fixating fractures that includes a proximal frame assembly, a distal frame assembly and a polyaxial joint. The polyaxial joint comprises articulating components that engage to have multi-axial or polyaxial translational motion to allow for distraction/reduction and adjustment of flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, pronation/supination of the wrist to an optimal wrist position. The polyaxial joint may be lockable. Fixation screws are also provided for engaging the patient's bone tissue on opposite sides of a fracture.