Quadrilateral Bone Plate Geometry for Angled Acetabular Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone plating systems for acetabular fractures in the quadrilateral area face challenges such as screw impingement on anatomical structures, limited angular variability, and risk of injury to vital structures due to complex anatomy, leading to complications like nonunion or malunion.

Innovation Solution

A suprapectineal and quadrilateral surface bone plating system with a first bone plate conforming to the pelvic brim and a second bone plate angled to minimize screw insertion perpendicularity, featuring securing ports with angled fastener support to reduce impingement and enhance fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a vertical portion of a bone plate is used to extend into the quadrilateral area, then fixation coverage is improved, but screw insertion angle variability is limited and impingement risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation coverage areaVSAvoidscrew insertion angle variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional vertical plate orientation to an angled plate configuration that extends obliquely across the quadrilateral area. This dimensional change in plate orientation allows screws to be inserted at multiple angles relative to the bone surface, thereby increasing angular variability while maintaining comprehensive fixation coverage of the quadrilateral region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If screws are inserted perpendicular to the plate surface, then fixation strength is maximized, but impingement on anatomical structures occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidscrew impingement on anatomical structures
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric plate design where the plate surface is angled relative to the bone surface rather than being perpendicular. This asymmetry allows screws to be inserted at optimized angles that maintain fixation strength while avoiding impingement on adjacent anatomical structures such as vessels and nerves in the quadrilateral area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the plate contour is mismatched to the bone surface, then surgical ease is improved, but fracture reduction fails and nonunion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical easeVSAvoidfracture reduction success
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent features a plate with a contour specifically adapted to match the unique geometry of the quadrilateral area of the ilium. The plate includes angled surfaces and customized contours that conform to the local bone topology, ensuring intimate contact between the plate and bone surface. This local adaptation maintains fracture reduction success while facilitating straightforward surgical application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4132395B1Suprapectineal quadrilateral bone plating system
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC
  • EP4132395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132395B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4132395B1 patent drawingFigure 1B

AI summary

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to the field of bone plates for the reduction and fixation of bone fractures. In particular, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a quadrilateral surface bone plate for the fixation of acetabular fractures having at least one securing port therein and methods of making and using same.