Resorbable Bone Fixation Device Eliminates Hardware Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation devices for syndesmosis injuries require hardware removal once the bones and surrounding tissue heal, as the fixation screws often break due to returning motion, necessitating additional surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation device with a shaft comprising a resorbable section positioned between non-resorbable sections, allowing for temporary immobilization of bones without the need for hardware removal, as the resorbable section breaks down and is absorbed by the body, allowing for restored bone movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixation screws are used to fasten tibia and fibula to limit motion, then bone immobilization is achieved, but hardware removal surgery is required after healing
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into two distinct segments: a resorbable portion that degrades over time and a non-resorbable portion that remains permanently. This segmentation allows the device to provide temporary stabilization during healing while eliminating the need for removal surgery, as the resorbable portion naturally disappears after serving its purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in material properties over time. The resorbable portion transitions from a stable, load-bearing state to a degrading state through controlled resorption by bodily fluids and enzymes. This time-dependent parameter change allows the device to automatically adjust its functionality - providing rigid fixation initially, then gradually transitioning to allow motion as healing progresses.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixation screws are used to fasten tibia and fibula, then motion is limited during healing, but screws often break when motion returns
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fixation device into resorbable and non-resorbable portions, the device gracefully handles the transition from immobilization to motion. The resorbable portion progressively degrades and disappears as healing completes, eliminating the risk of breakage that plagues permanent screws when motion returns. The non-resorbable portion remains to provide continuous structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic behavior to the fixation device through the resorbable portion's time-dependent degradation. Rather than a static, permanent screw, the device dynamically adapts its mechanical properties - starting with full rigidity for immobilization, then progressively becoming more flexible as the resorbable portion degrades, ultimately allowing natural motion without sudden failure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent fixation devices are used, then long-term stability is achieved, but additional surgery is needed for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is segmented into temporary (resorbable) and permanent (non-resorbable) components. The resorbable portion provides time-limited stabilization that automatically disappears after serving its healing function, eliminating the need for removal surgery. The non-resorbable portion remains permanently embedded to provide ongoing structural support if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The resorbable portion functions as a disposable, temporary fixation element that serves its purpose during the critical healing period and then naturally degrades and disappears. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming removal surgery, as the temporary portion is designed to be discarded by the body's natural resorption processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, in one aspect, a bone fixation device, the bone fixation device having a shaft, the shaft including a drive end and a tip end, at least a portion of the shaft configured to anchor into bone. The shaft further includes a first non-resorbable section extending from the tip end of the shaft, a second non-resorbable section extending from the drive end of the shaft, and a resorbable section. The resorbable section includes a tip side and a drive side, the resorbable section is between the first non-resorbable section and the second non-resorbable section, with the tip side of the resorbable section coupling to the first non-resorbable section and the drive side coupling to the second non-resorbable section.