Resilient Bone Clamping Element for Compression Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fracture fixation methods are costly and complex, limiting their application to only a limited circle of patients and types of fractures, as they often require rigid plates that prevent compression and are not suitable for compression-producing settings.
Innovation Solution
A clamping element with a closed contoured body and resiliently deformable peripheral wall, allowing for a predetermined tension to be generated between receiving portions, which can be used to produce compression at a fracture site without additional constructive means like tension springs, and can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid metallic bone plates are used for fracture fixation, then the fracture site is securely fixed, but compression between fracture ends cannot be achieved and the structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into rigid sections (for fixation strength) and resilient sections (for compression capability). This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to perform different functions, eliminating the need for separate tension spring mechanisms while maintaining both fixation strength and compression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic structure with resilient sections that can deform elastically. This allows the plate to dynamically adjust and generate compression forces at the fracture site while maintaining overall structural integrity for fixation.
2Force
If tension springs are added to produce compression, then compression is achieved, but the production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient sections of the bone plate serve dual purposes: they provide structural support and automatically generate compression forces at the fracture site through their elastic deformation. The structure serves itself by converting mechanical deformation into useful compression force, eliminating the need for separate tension springs or active compression mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression-generating function is merged into the bone plate structure itself through the resilient sections. Instead of adding separate compression mechanisms, the plate's own elastic deformation capability is utilized to produce compression, combining support and compression functions in a single integrated component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertebral bone plates with multidirectional flexibility are used, then flexibility is improved, but compression between vertebral bodies is prevented and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the bone plate have different mechanical properties: rigid sections provide fixation strength and stability, while resilient sections provide controlled flexibility and compression capability. This local differentiation allows the plate to exhibit flexibility where needed while maintaining compression capability and overall structural stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The clamping element enables cost-effective production and expansion of compression-producing settings for various fractures, reducing surgical complexity and time, while allowing for modular adaptation to different fracture types and anatomies, thus enhancing the healing process.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral wall of the contoured body is resiliently deformable at least in sections, in particular in the region of the receiving portions on the end faces of same and in the region of the lateral angled portions. A defined resilient behavior of the clamping element can be impressed via the angled portions in such a way that a predetermined tension can be generated between the receiving portions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a clamping element for setting a bone fracture. The element comprises a closed contoured body which has a substantially hollow cross-section and is enclosed by a peripheral wall. The contoured body has two opposite receiving portions at the end faces thereof, the receiving portions being intended to receive fixing elements which can be pushed through the body, and has two lateral flanks having angled portions. The peripheral wall of the contoured body is resiliently deformable at least in sections, in particular in the region of the receiving portions on the end faces of same and in the region of the lateral angled portions. A defined resilient behavior of the clamping element can be impressed via the angled portions in such a way that a predetermined tension can be generated between the receiving portions. Also disclosed are a method for producing the clamping element and a setting device for using said clamping element.