Ratchet Staple Bridge Incremental Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical staples for osteotomies or fusions lack the ability for precise incremental adjustment, limiting surgeons' options due to fixed size gaps, which does not accommodate the variability in anatomical requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device with a bridge that can be incrementally adjusted using a ratchet mechanism, comprising a male and female bridge portion with teeth and projections, allowing for customizable compression and fit, and optionally made of porous metal with a wedge profile for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed size staples are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but surgical precision and anatomical fit are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple modular segments that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. Each segment represents a discrete adjustment unit, allowing the bridge length to be precisely tailored to the specific anatomical gap while maintaining a standardized overall device design. This segmentation enables continuous length adjustment without requiring multiple different staple sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the length to be modified after the staple is implanted. The mechanism includes movable components with locking features that enable the bridge to transition between fixed length positions, providing both stability during loading and adjustability during implantation to achieve precise anatomical fit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple staple sizes are manufactured, then anatomical variability is accommodated, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized staple design with an adjustable bridge incorporates multiple size configurations within one device. The universal design allows the same staple body and legs to accommodate various bridge lengths, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple different staple sizes while still providing customization for different anatomical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge length parameter can be continuously or incrementally adjusted within a range, allowing one staple design to cover the functional range of multiple discrete size options. This parameter change capability transforms a family of size-specific devices into a single multi-functional device that adapts to different anatomical gaps through controlled modification of the bridge dimension.
3Strength
If the bridge is made rigid, then structural strength is maintained, but adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the length to be modified after the staple is implanted. The mechanism includes movable components with locking features that enable the bridge to transition between fixed length positions, providing both stability during loading and adjustability during implantation to achieve precise anatomical fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is divided into multiple modular segments that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. Each segment represents a discrete adjustment unit, allowing the bridge length to be precisely tailored to the specific anatomical gap while maintaining a standardized overall device design. This segmentation enables continuous length adjustment without requiring multiple different staple sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a first leg; a second leg distant from the first leg; and a bridge extending between and connecting the first leg to the second leg; wherein the bridge is configured such that a length of the bridge between the first leg and the second leg can be incrementally adjusted.