Rib Plate and Anchor Fixation for Rib Head Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rib fixation devices are inadequate for fractures and osteotomies adjacent to the rib head due to a lack of fixation options, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in treating a wide range of pathologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of rib plates and anchors that include a plate portion, screw holes, and longitudinal members, along with various fixation mechanisms, allowing secure attachment to the rib bone and stabilization of fractures or osteotomies, particularly at the rib head and transverse process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional plate-style fixation devices with screws are used, then mid-rib fractures with adequate bone can be fixed, but fractures adjacent to the rib head cannot be adequately fixed due to lack of fixation options
Solution Approach 1:
The rib fixation device is designed with multiple functional components that can serve different purposes: the plate can be positioned at various locations along the rib, the longitudinal member provides structural support, and the combination of screws and anchors allows fixation at both mid-rib and rib head locations. This multi-functional design enables a single device to address multiple fracture locations and types.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is divided into distinct segments: a plate portion for attachment to the rib shaft, a longitudinal member for structural support, and separate screw/anchor fixation points. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables flexible configuration to match different fracture patterns and anatomical locations.
2Reliability
If conventional screw fixation is used for mid-rib fractures, then adequate fixation can be achieved with 2-3 screws on either side, but the device cannot address fractures at the rib head or transverse process
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple fixation mechanisms (screws for mid-rib attachment, anchors for rib head engagement) within a single system, allowing it to treat both mid-rib fractures and rib head fractures with a single implant type, thereby expanding the range of treatable pathologies while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges previously separate fixation approaches (mid-rib plating and rib head anchoring) into a single integrated device. The plate and longitudinal member work together to provide both the structural support needed for mid-rib fractures and the attachment points required for rib head fixation, eliminating the need for multiple different devices.
3Reliability
If rib fixation systems are introduced to reduce motion and increase stability, then pain associated with healing is reduced, but the complexity of the device and procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (plate, longitudinal member, screws, anchors) that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. This segmentation allows for systematic installation and simplifies the complexity by breaking down the overall procedure into manageable steps rather than requiring a single complex operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems include solutions for fixation at the rib head for fractures and osteotomies adjacent to the rib head and transverse process. The disclosed rib plates, anchor systems, other implants, and instrumentation may also be applied to mid-rib fractures. The systems may be used in the treatment of rib deformities, including the correction of rib hump deformity via thoracoplasty, as well as general corrections of chest and rib deformities. Systems herein may be used in chest wall reconstructions due to trauma, cancer, or deformity.