Polymer Osteosynthesis Screw with Depth-Guiding Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current osteosynthesis systems using polymer-based materials face challenges in securely anchoring screws to both bone and instruments due to the inability to produce thin screw threads, limiting screw orientation and insertion depth precision, which affects bone consolidation and fracture stability.
Innovation Solution
A fixation system comprising a polymer-based screw with a threaded shaft and a screwdriver featuring a guide member that allows precise axial translation and stop functionality, enabling screws to be inserted to a predefined depth and securely locked within the osteosynthesis instrument, even at high inclinations, using a polymer or composite material that can be easily cut and fused for enhanced locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal screws with thin screw threads are used, then secure anchoring to bone and instrument is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and material cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing approach. Instead of requiring thin, precise screw threads, the polymer screw uses a simpler geometry with a conical or cylindrical head and a shaft that is inserted and fixed through friction and bonding, eliminating complex threading operations while maintaining secure anchoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polymer composite materials that combine the benefits of polymer processing ease with enhanced mechanical properties. These composite polymers allow for secure bone and instrument anchoring without requiring complex metal threading, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturability
2Manufacturing precision
If screw orientation is restricted to perpendicular insertion, then insertion precision is maintained, but adaptability to different bone geometries and fracture positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic screw design where the shaft can be inserted at various angles relative to the instrument surface. The screw head geometry and fixation mechanism are designed to accommodate inclined insertions while maintaining precise positioning, allowing adaptation to different bone geometries and fracture positions without compromising insertion accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the insertion parameter from fixed perpendicular orientation to variable angular orientation. The screw design allows insertion at angles up to 15 degrees from the normal to the instrument surface, providing versatility for reaching distant bone fragments while maintaining precise control through the defined angular range
3Ease of operation
If screw insertion depth is not precisely controlled, then ease of operation is maintained, but fixation reliability and bone consolidation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical depth control mechanisms with a simplified system based on pre-defined screw lengths and visual or tactile feedback during insertion. The screw design includes features that provide natural stopping points or visual indicators, allowing precise depth control without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the depth control parameter from adjustable mechanical stops to fixed predefined lengths. Screws are manufactured in specific lengths suitable for different applications, and the insertion process relies on inserting the screw until the head contacts the bone or instrument surface, providing simple depth control that maintains both ease of operation and fixation reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for attaching a piece of osteosynthesis equipment against a bone tissue includes at least a screw, and a screwdriver having a handle extended by a rod with an adapter to engage the screw. A portion of the guide member of the screwdriver protrudes in front of the end-piece of the screwdriver and extends along or around a portion of the screw to guide the screw in axial translation. The guide member has a front end forming an abutment of the screwdriver against the surface of the piece of osteosynthesis equipment on completion of a predefined depth of screwing of the screw into the bone tissue. The guide member can be set at a chosen length of extension, corresponding to a predefined depth of insertion of the screw. After insertion, the screw can be severed, and optionally fused with the piece of equipment to reinforce the locking of same.