Rib Fixation System Using Intermediary Reinforcing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fixing broken ribs often cause pain and discomfort during the healing process, especially due to interference with neurovascular bundles and the risk of additional fractures from wire contact with the bone, as they do not adequately support the rib cage as a whole.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second reinforcing members placed laterally on opposite sides of an intercostal space, with closure members that approximate the ribs without direct contact with neurovascular bundles, using fasteners and closure members to secure the reinforcing members to the ribs, allowing for minimal disruption during respiration and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wire fixation methods are used to secure ribs, then the ribs can be held together for healing, but the wires contact the bone and cause pain and discomfort during healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reinforcing members as intermediary elements that are attached to the ribs but do not directly contact the bone surface. These members serve as mediators between the fixation system and the rib, allowing wires to secure the ribs without the wires directly touching the bone, thereby eliminating the pain and discomfort caused by wire contact while maintaining fixation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is segmented into distinct components: reinforcing members attached to the ribs, and wires connecting the reinforcing members. This segmentation separates the function of direct rib attachment from the function of rib approximation, allowing the wires to work without直接接触 the bone, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable fixation and patient comfort
2Reliability
If conventional fixation methods are used, then ribs can be secured for healing, but there is risk of additional fractures from wire contact with the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing members act as intermediaries that bear the mechanical loads and forces during rib healing without transferring them directly to the bone through wire contact. This intermediary layer protects the bone from stress concentrations that could cause additional fractures while still providing the necessary support for healing
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by placing reinforcing members on the rib surface before applying the wire fixation. These reinforcing members cushion and distribute the forces from the wires, preventing direct stress concentration on the bone that could lead to additional fractures during the healing process
3Reliability
If closure members are positioned to approximate ribs, then rib approximation is achieved, but neurovascular bundles may be interfered with causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension by placing reinforcing members on the outer surface of the ribs, laterally disposed on opposite sides of the intercostal space. This dimensional approach allows closure members to approximate the ribs by pulling laterally on the reinforcing members rather than contacting the neurovascular bundles directly in the intercostal space, achieving rib approximation while avoiding interference with sensitive structures
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting ribs is provided that includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member may be attached to a respective rib via fasteners such that the reinforcing member spans one or more fractures of the ribs. In addition to individually holding the portions of the rib bone together to allow the fracture to heal, however, the reinforcing members may be used on rib pairs such that closure members may be wrapped around or extended between the rib pair in an effort to stabilize the ribs. By providing extended regions configured to receive closure members, healing of the ribs may be promoted and facilitated without creating unnecessary other pain to the patient, as the rounded portions serve to keep the closure members away from the neurovascular bundles associated with the ribs.