Pre-assembled External Fixation Clamp with Polyaxial Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation systems for bones and joints are cumbersome to assemble and require significant time and assistance, with sliding rods and multiple parts that can be difficult to adjust and secure, especially in emergency or field settings where resources are limited.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled external fixation system with polyaxial joints and a one-way motion lock that allows for easy placement over a fracture or joint, provisional locking, and subsequent adjustment and locking without the need for extensive assembly or assistance, using identical components to simplify production and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fixation systems are assembled on the back table with multiple components, then the fixation can be securely applied, but significant time is spent on assembly and the procedure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is pre-assembled in a sterile package with all components (clamp body, fixation bolt, sliding clamp, bone pins) prepared and ready for immediate use. The sliding clamp is pre-positioned in the open position within the clamp body, eliminating the need for back table assembly and reducing procedural time while maintaining secure fixation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If sliding rods and multiple parts are used in fixation systems, then the frame can be adjusted, but the application and tightening becomes cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding clamp is designed to be manually operable by the surgeon without requiring assistants for tightening. The fixation bolt with hex head allows direct engagement with a wrench or socket, enabling the surgeon to independently adjust and secure the clamp position on the bone pins, simplifying the operation while maintaining adjustability
3Manufacturing precision
If the limb is stretched against muscle tension to restore proper length, then the fracture/joint can be reduced, but significant force is required and assistance is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary device that provides mechanical advantage for fracture reduction. By attaching the clamp to bone pins on either side of the fracture and using the fixation bolt to secure the sliding clamp position, the system allows controlled application of traction force to restore proper limb length and alignment without requiring the surgeon to manually overcome full muscle tension
Data Source
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AI summary
External fixation systems, and methods for immobilizing joints or fractured bones. An external fixation system may include one or more clamp assemblies connected to one or more rod assemblies at polyaxial joints. Each rod assembly may be length adjustable, and may include a one-way locking mechanism to provisionally lock the length of the rod assembly, and additional locking mechanisms to permanently lock the length of the rod assembly. The system may be deployed pre-assembled as a unit to immobilize a joint or fracture. Another external fixation system further includes a spanning member extending transverse to the rod assemblies. Two or more external fixation systems may be deployed in a stacked configuration on one set of bone pins to immobilize two joints and/or fractures. The systems may be provided in kits including guiding instrumentation, bone pins and pin clamping assemblies for connecting the bone pins to the external fixation systems.