Pre-formed Midface Implant for Complex Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current osteosynthesis plates for centrolateral midface fractures are time-consuming to adapt anatomically, prone to material weakening, and inadequate for complex multi-fragment fractures, as they require manual bending and are not suitable for complete repositioning and fixation of bone fragments.
Innovation Solution
A preformed, multi-segment implant with segments designed to be complementary to specific anatomical structures of the midface bones, allowing for precise alignment and fixation without extensive manual adaptation, including a first segment for the upper jaw, a second segment for the zygomaticoalveolar area, and additional segments for complex fractures like Le Fort fractures, with optional segments for the nasal spine and paranasal bridge areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If planar osteosynthesis plates are used for fixation, then the bone fragments can be held in position, but the implant requires time-consuming manual bending adaptation and material weakening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is preformed with segments that are already shaped to match the anatomical structures of the midface bones (maxilla, zygomaticoalveolar area, zygomatic bone). This preliminary shaping eliminates the need for time-consuming manual bending adaptation during surgery while maintaining the reliability of fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant consists of multiple preformed segments (first segment for maxilla, second segment for zygomaticoalveolar area, third segment for zygomatic bone) that can be individually positioned and fixed. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimally adapted to its specific anatomical location without requiring extensive manual manipulation of the entire implant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If planar osteosynthesis plates are used, then simple fractures can be fixed, but complex multi-fragment fractures cannot be adequately repositioned and fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a simple planar structure to a three-dimensional form with multiple segments having different shapes and orientations. The first segment has an underside complementary to the maxilla, the second segment to the zygomaticoalveolar area, and the third segment to the zygomatic bone, enabling precise anatomical repositioning in multiple dimensions for complex multi-fragment fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each segment of the implant is designed with specific local characteristics tailored to its target anatomical location. The first segment is shaped for the maxilla, the second for the zygomaticoalveolar area, and the third for the zygomatic bone, allowing each region to be precisely repositioned according to its unique anatomical requirements.
3Ease of operation
If manual bending adaptation is performed, then the implant can be adjusted to anatomical structures, but pre-weakening of the implant occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant segments are preformed with the correct anatomical shapes before surgery. The first segment is preformed to match the maxilla, the second segment to match the zygomaticoalveolar area, and the third segment to match the zygomatic bone, eliminating the need for intraoperative bending and preserving implant strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant segments are manufactured as precise copies or replicas of the target anatomical structures. The underside of each segment is shaped to be complementary to its corresponding bone surface, allowing direct placement without manual deformation that would cause material weakening.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to an implant (1, 10) for repositioning and fixation of a centrolateral midfacial fracture and comprises three or more pre-formed segments, wherein the shape of a first segment (2) is designed such that at least the underside (9) thereof adjacent to the bone is completely or partially complementary with the outer anatomical structure of at least one partial region of a maxilla bone, wherein the shape of a second segment (3) is designed such that at least the underside (9) thereof adjacent to the bone is completely or partially complementary with the outer anatomical structure of a ridge region between maxilla bone and malar bone, and wherein the shape of a third segment (4) is designed such that at least the underside (9) thereof adjacent to the bone is completely or partially complementary with the outer anatomical structure of at least one partial region of a malar bone.