Segmented Bone Plate System for Complex Fracture Fixation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating bone fractures, such as using casts and typical surgical nails, screws, and plates, are cumbersome, provide inadequate internal fixation, and are difficult to apply, leading to prolonged disability and pain, especially in complex fractures like Colles' fractures.

Innovation Solution

A bone plate system comprising a diaphyseal and a periarticular bone plate, configured to be coupled together, with specific surface features and openings for receiving fasteners, allowing for flexible alignment and stabilization of fractured bone fragments, even those out of plane with the primary bone shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If casts are used for fracture treatment, then immobilization is provided, but the casts are big, bulky and only allow a small degree of motion of associated joints

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveimmobilizationVSAvoidcast size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into multiple bone plates (first bone plate and second bone plate) that can be independently applied to different segments of the bone. This segmentation allows the fixation function to be distributed across smaller components rather than requiring a single large cast, thereby reducing bulk while maintaining immobilization stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bone plates act as intermediary devices between the bone fragments and the external environment. These plates provide internal fixation through screw attachments, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for bulky external casts while maintaining the necessary immobilization and allowing appropriate joint motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If typical surgical nails, screws, plates, and wires are used, then internal fixation is provided, but these devices are hard to apply and not easily manipulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal fixationVSAvoidapplication ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into multiple bone plates (first bone plate and second bone plate) that can be independently applied to different segments of the bone. This segmentation allows the fixation function to be distributed across smaller components rather than requiring a single large cast, thereby reducing bulk while maintaining immobilization stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bone plates are designed with flexible properties that allow them to be manipulated and adapted during application. The plates can be contoured and positioned dynamically during surgery to fit the specific anatomical requirements, making them easier to apply compared to rigid traditional devices, while still providing reliable internal fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If typical surgical nails, screws, plates, and wires are used, then fixation is provided, but they are not suited for reducing fragments that are displaced from the main loci of the fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefixationVSAvoidfragment reduction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into multiple bone plates (first bone plate and second bone plate) that can be independently applied to different segments of the bone. This segmentation allows the fixation function to be distributed across smaller components rather than requiring a single large cast, thereby reducing bulk while maintaining immobilization stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bone plates are designed to operate in multiple spatial dimensions, allowing them to reduce and fix bone fragments that are displaced not only along the longitudinal axis but also in lateral and vertical directions. This multi-dimensional capability enables the plates to accommodate and realign fragments from various orientations relative to the main bone shaft, enhancing versatility for complex fracture patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8915918B2Bone plate system for bone restoration and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 UPEX HLDG

AI summary

A bone plate system is provided herein. The system may include a first and a second bone plate, which plates may be affixed to one or more bone portions and each other, so as to align and stabilize the bone and correct a bone fracture. A first bone plate is provided which includes both a bone contacting and a top surface, one of which corresponds to a primary plane. The first bone plate may be configured to engage a bone portion and a secondary plate. A secondary bone plate is provided, which plate is configured to engage the first plate. The secondary plate includes a bone contacting surface, which corresponds to one or more planes or an arc that are provided at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the primary plane. Methods of using such bone plating systems for the reduction, restoration and treatment of bone fractures are provided.