Posterior Rib Ring Plate Fixation in Limited Screw Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing broken ribs, particularly those near the vertebrae, face challenges due to limited space for screw placement, often requiring only one or two screws, which compromises stability and healing efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A rib fixation system utilizing a ring that encircles the rib posteriorly, distributing load with a single screw, and a plate extending along the rib, secured with screws on the anterior aspect, allowing for strong fixation without extensive instrumentation, and optionally using fixation ties for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rib plating is used on posterior ribs near the vertebrae, then the rib can be fixed, but the limited space only allows one or two screws, resulting in insufficient stability
Solution Approach 1:
The ring component is divided into two separate parts: a first ring component with a C-shaped configuration that engages the rib, and a second ring component that overlays and secures to the first ring component. This segmentation allows the fixation system to be assembled in situ around the rib, adapting to the limited posterior space while providing stable fixation through multiple attachment points.
2Strength
If more screws are placed to improve stability, then fixation strength increases, but the limited posterior space cannot accommodate additional screw placement
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system transitions from a traditional linear plate configuration to a three-dimensional ring structure that encircles the rib. This dimensional change allows the system to utilize the circumferential space around the rib rather than being constrained to a single posterior surface, effectively distributing fixation strength across multiple dimensions and accommodating the anatomical constraints of the posterior rib region.
3Reliability
If a ring structure is used to distribute load, then fixation stability improves, but the device complexity increases with multiple ring components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The two ring components are designed to be joined together using a simple locking mechanism involving a bolt or screw that passes through aligned holes in both components. This merging approach creates a stable, integrated ring structure that distributes load effectively while keeping the assembly process relatively simple and the overall device complexity manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rib plate is contoured to fit the anterior aspect, then fixation adaptability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rib plate is designed with specific contoured regions that match the anatomical curvature of the rib, while other portions of the plate maintain standard geometric features for screw attachment. This local quality approach applies manufacturing precision only where anatomical conformity is critical, rather than requiring high precision across the entire plate, thus balancing adaptability with manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rib fixation system, including: a rib plate having a plurality of screw holes; a first ring component with a screw hole and ridge; a second ring component with a screw hole and a slot configured to receive a portion of the first ring component; and a screw configured to be placed through one of the plurality of screw holes of the rib plate, the screw hole of the first ring, and the screw hole of the second ring, wherein the ridge of the first ring provides a stop for the second ring.