Sagittal Adjustment Slot in Bone Plate for Intramedullary Nail Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture fixation systems using intramedullary nails and locking plates lack clarity in clinical efficacy and flexibility, particularly in distal linking options, which can lead to mal-alignment and reduced efficacy in weight-bearing capabilities and fracture healing.
Innovation Solution
A fracture fixation system that includes a bone nail and plate with strategically positioned holes and slots allowing for multiple fastening points, enabling flexible alignment and stabilization through screws and pegs, while avoiding mal-alignment by using a targeting arm and drill guide to ensure precise placement and prevent screw-nail collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distal linking options are provided in the Nail-Plate Combination, then intra-operative flexibility and stabilization potential are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple distinct features including a first distal plate hole, a second distal plate hole, and a distal slot, each capable of receiving different fasteners. This segmentation allows selective use of various linking options based on specific surgical needs, enhancing flexibility without requiring all options to be simultaneously complex
Solution Approach 2:
The distal slot is designed with a specific geometry that accepts both threaded and non-threaded fasteners, making it a multi-functional feature. This universal design allows the same structural element to serve multiple purposes (receiving different types of fasteners) while maintaining simplicity in the overall device architecture
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment instruments and targeting arms are used to ensure precise placement, then manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy are improved, but device complexity and procedural steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is pre-configured with precisely positioned holes and slots during manufacturing, establishing accurate geometric relationships between features. This preliminary precision in manufacturing reduces the need for complex intra-operative alignment instrumentation, as the precise positioning is already built into the implant structure
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment instruments and targeting arms serve as intermediary tools that temporarily bridge the gap between the surgeon and the precise geometric features of the bone plate. These intermediaries facilitate accurate placement during surgery without becoming permanent parts of the final implant structure, thus managing complexity effectively
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional fastening points are provided through slots and holes, then stabilization potential is improved, but ease of operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the bone plate are designed with different fastening characteristics: the first and second distal plate holes are positioned for specific fastening requirements, while the distal slot provides alternative fastening options. This localized differentiation of fastening capabilities allows optimal stabilization at each location while maintaining operational simplicity through clear, purpose-designed features
Data Source
AI summary
A fracture fixation system includes a bone nail configured to be inserted into a canal of a bone, and a bone plate configured to abut a surface of the bone, wherein the bone nail includes first, second, and third nail holes, the second nail hole located between the first and third nail holes, and wherein the bone plate includes first and third plate holes and a slot located between the first and third plate holes. In one embodiment, the slot of the bone plate has a center line extending along an arc of a constant radius from a center point of the first plate hole.