Rib Bone Plate with Unilateral Hooks for Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing rib fractures, such as bone plates with prongs or screws, often fail to provide adequate flexural and torsional support and can be too slow for trauma patients, leading to instability and prolonged recovery.
Innovation Solution
The development of bone plates with unilateral hook portions and integral fastener mechanisms, allowing for customizable fit and faster, more secure fixation of rib bones using pre-shaped hook portions and adjustable fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bone plates with prongs or screws are used for rib fixation, then the rib fracture can be fixed, but adequate flexural and torsional support is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple prong elements that can be independently positioned and secured to the rib. Each prong acts as a separate fixation point, distributing the mechanical load and providing enhanced flexural and torsional support compared to traditional screw fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional screw fixation to three-dimensional prong engagement, where prongs extend through the plate in multiple directions to engage the rib cortex from different angles, providing superior multi-axial stability and biomechanical support.
2Productivity
If traditional bone plating techniques are used, then rib fixation is achieved, but installation is too slow for trauma patients
Solution Approach 1:
The prongs are pre-formed and pre-positioned on the bone plate during manufacturing, eliminating the need for intraoperative bending or complex assembly. The plate can be quickly contoured to match the rib shape and immediately secured with minimal drilling and fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the time-consuming steps of custom prong formation and complex plate contouring from the surgical procedure, providing a pre-configured plate that requires only simple adaptation to the rib geometry, significantly reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If bone plates are contoured to fit the rib, then secure fixation is achieved, but the contoured shape may impinge on nerves and vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate features localized contouring only in specific regions where rib curvature requires adaptation, while maintaining a flat profile in areas adjacent to neurovascular structures. This selective contouring provides necessary anatomical fit without creating harmful impingement zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design incorporates asymmetric contouring that follows the natural curvature of the rib on the convex side while maintaining a flat or slightly concave profile on the concave side where nerves and vessels are located, preventing impingement while achieving secure fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones, such as rib bones, with bone plates.