Reversible Bone Plate Trial for Asymmetric Fracture Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone plate trials require a trial-and-error procedure for selecting the correct size and position, especially for asymmetric fractures, increasing surgical effort and duration, and existing contourable trials face issues with deformation and improper sizing due to rigidity or kinking.
Innovation Solution
A reversible bone plate template with a section that can be elastically deformed along a bending axis, allowing the second portion to switch between being the bone-contacting surface, accommodating left or right anatomical structures, and featuring markings for precise sizing and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple asymmetric bone plate trials are used for left and right anatomical structures, then the accuracy of bone plate selection is improved, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate trial is designed with bilateral symmetry allowing it to be used on both left and right anatomical structures. The trial can be positioned in two orientations (first position for right side, second position for left side) to accommodate different anatomical configurations, eliminating the need for separate asymmetric trial sets while maintaining selection accuracy
2Ease of operation
If rigid contourable bone plate trials are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deformation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate trial incorporates a section with modified material properties that allows controlled elastic deformation along a bending axis. This section can be deformed to match anatomical contours while maintaining sufficient rigidity in other areas to prevent unwanted deformation and ensure precise positioning and sizing
3Ease of operation
If soft contourable bone plate trials are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to kinks and folds
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate trial features a localized flexible section with specific geometric characteristics (such as a slot or groove) that permits controlled deformation only in that region. The remainder of the trial maintains higher rigidity to prevent kinks and folds, ensuring accurate sizing and positioning while still allowing necessary contouring adaptation
4Productivity
If a reversible bone plate trial design is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the reversible mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate trial incorporates an asymmetric section that, when combined with the reversible positioning capability, allows the same trial to accurately fit both left and right anatomical structures. The asymmetry is designed into specific portions of the trial while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling rapid switching between sides without complex mechanisms
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 reversible bone plate template reduces the number of trial plates needed, simplifies the selection process, and ensures accurate sizing and positioning by allowing easy adjustment to match the volar surface of the distal radius, thereby reducing surgical time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
The section may allow the second portion to be moved to first and second positions with respect to the first portion. When the second portion is in the first position, the first surface may be a bone contacting surface, and when the second portion is in the second position, the second surface may be the bone contacting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a reversible bone plate template and a method for using the same to size an implant. The bone plate template may include first and second portions. The second portion may be wider than the first portion and asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis. A section between the first and second portions may allow the second portion to be moved between first and second positions such that either a first or a second surface may be a bone contacting surface. A method for sizing an implant with a bone plate template may include determining whether a first or second surface is to be placed on bone, moving a portion of the bone plate template, placing it on bone and selecting an implant based upon the bone plate template.