Rib Implant With Guide Device For Stable Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional materials for osteosynthesis in the thoracic region, such as resorbable suture material and osteosynthesis wire, lack sufficient stability, leading to prolonged convalescence, pain, and mobility restrictions, and are prone to complications like premature loosening or breakage, especially in the thoracic region where bone reossification is slower due to varying bone structures and potential allergic reactions to implant metals.
Innovation Solution
An implant system with adjustable and securely attachable components, featuring clamps and a guide device for precise positioning, made from biocompatible materials like implant steel or titanium, allowing for flexible adjustment and reduced risk of misalignment or separation, utilizing a limited set of components for easy handling and minimal risk of mix-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resorbable suture material or osteosynthesis wire is used for bone immobilization, then the material is biocompatible and can be inserted, but the material lacks sufficient stability and intrinsic strength, leading to prolonged convalescence and inability to achieve exercise-stable or function-stable state
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple components: a clamping element for bone attachment, a connection element for joining implant components, and a fastening element for securing the connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide overall structural stability and strength that exceeds conventional suture materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system combines different materials with complementary properties: the clamping element may use shape memory alloy for adaptive gripping, the connection element uses titanium or stainless steel for high strength, and the fastening element uses resorbable material for biocompatibility. This composite approach achieves both high stability and biocompatibility.
2Reliability
If conventional suture material is used for osteosynthesis, then the material is biocompatible, but it requires prolonged convalescence period of several months until complete regeneration, during which patient experiences severe pain and mobility restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element incorporates shape memory alloy that can dynamically adapt to the bone geometry and apply optimal clamping force. The connection element allows for controlled movement and adjustment during the healing process, transitioning from a rigid fixation to a more flexible state as bone regeneration progresses, thereby reducing pain and enabling earlier mobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system changes its mechanical parameters over time: initially providing rigid fixation for immediate stability, then gradually transitioning to allow micro-movements that stimulate bone healing. The resorbable fastening element degrades over time, transferring load to the regenerating bone, thereby reducing convalescence time while maintaining biocompatibility.
3Strength
If steel wires are used for bone stabilization, then the material provides structural support, but the wires may break under certain circumstances and cause complications
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element uses high-grade titanium or stainless steel with proven fatigue resistance and biocompatibility, eliminating the breakage issues of conventional steel wires. The composite construction distributes mechanical loads across multiple elements rather than concentrating stress in a single wire, further reducing breakage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single continuous wire, the implant divides the structural support function across multiple discrete components: the clamping element, connection element, and fastening element. This segmentation allows for stress distribution and eliminates the single-point-failure mode inherent in wire-based systems.
4Strength
If osteosynthesis plates with screws or nails are used for large tubular bones, then the implant provides strong fixation, but in the thoracic region with soft tissue structures, such implants would prematurely loosen due to anatomically induced movements
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is specifically designed for the thoracic region with features that accommodate soft tissue structures and allow for anatomically induced movements. The localized design includes flexible clamping mechanisms that adapt to rib geometry and movement patterns, providing stable fixation without the premature loosening seen with rigid plate-screw constructs in this specific anatomical region.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement to accommodate thoracic breathing and anatomical motions. The shape memory alloy clamping element can dynamically adjust its grip, and the connection element permits micro-movements that prevent stress concentration and loosening, thereby maintaining reliability in the mobile thoracic region.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant for the purpose of osteosynthesis, for the immobilization and stabilization of tubular bones, especially of tubular bones that have a fracture or an osteotomy, especially of rib bones, comprises at least a first implant component that has an attachment section with means of attachment for the purpose of attaching the first implant component to a tubular bone, especially in a region of the tubular bone close to a fracture or osteotomy. The first implant component further has a connection section, with the connection section being formed for insertion of a second implant component and immobilization of the second implant component in a position adjustable relative to the first implant component. The connection section comprises a guide device for the purpose of guiding the second implant component as the second implant component is being positioned relative to the first implant component. The guide device permits movement of the second implant component relative to the first implant component only in one direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the connection section. A third implant component, which matches the first implant component in functionality, is attached to the other end of the second implant component.