Removable Bullet Anchor for Odontoid Fracture Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation systems for odontoid fractures in the cervical spine face challenges due to the delicate anatomy of the spine, including difficulties in stabilizing fractures with significant displacement and angulation, and the complexity of removing hardware after healing, as traditional screw-based fixation methods often fail to provide adequate stabilization and are difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tension member combined with a distal rotating anchor block or 'bullet' type fastener and proximal anchor button is used to compressively secure odontoid fragments to the C2 cervical bone, allowing for adjustable and minimally invasive fixation and potential removal of the device post-healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-based fixation methods are used, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but device removal becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fixation function from permanent screw-based systems into a removable bullet device that can be taken out after healing. The bullet device provides temporary stabilization during the critical healing period, then can be completely removed through the same minimally invasive passage, eliminating the complexity of hardware removal while maintaining fracture stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system transitions from a static permanent implant to a dynamic temporary device. The bullet device is designed to be inserted, provide stabilization during healing, and then removed when no longer needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to the healing process, providing support when required and eliminating interference after healing occurs.
2Reliability
If rigid fixation devices are used to stabilize fractures with significant displacement, then fracture stabilization is improved, but the complexity of the device and surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into separate functional components: the bullet device for stabilization, the tension member for compression, and the anchor button for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall system. The bullet device itself can be inserted through a minimally invasive passage, avoiding the complexity of large open surgical procedures required by traditional rigid fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible tension member (such as a suture or cord) instead of rigid rods and plates. This flexible element can pass through small passages and deliver compressive force across the fracture site without requiring large incisions or complex implantation procedures. The flexibility of the tension member allows it to navigate the anatomical constraints of the cervical spine while providing effective fracture stabilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixation hardware is left in place after healing, then long-term structural support is maintained, but scar tissue formation complicates removal and affects quality of life
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation is applied partially in time rather than permanently. The bullet device provides stabilization during the critical healing period (typically 6-12 weeks), which is sufficient for bone union to occur. Once healing is achieved, the device is removed, avoiding the long-term presence of foreign material that would continue to provoke scar tissue formation and interfere with quality of life. The partial duration of fixation balances structural support needs with tissue health.
4Loss of time
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then patient recovery time is reduced, but the ability to stabilize fractures with significant displacement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system combines multiple materials and mechanisms to achieve both minimally invasive insertion and effective stabilization of complex fractures. The bullet device may be made of biocompatible metal or ceramic, the tension member uses high-strength flexible material (such as ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene), and the anchor button provides secure attachment. This composite approach allows the system to deliver rigid stabilization through a minimally invasive flexible insertion path, overcoming the limitation of traditional minimally invasive techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Removeable and/or revisable fixation devices, systems and methods for repairing bone fractures via a single incision, including odontoid fractures to the C2 vertebral body, which incorporate an anchoring feature that crosses the fracture site to be positioned external to the fractured bone fragment and which provides compressive and radial forces externally to the bone to immobilize the bone fragment(s) for fixation to the main bone structure.