Segmented External Wrist Fixator for Distal Radius Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation devices for bone fractures, particularly in the distal radius of the forearm, are heavy, cumbersome, and often cause discomfort and immobilization, leading to potential Ligamentotaxis and prolonged rehabilitation, especially in children and adolescents, due to their weight and inability to maintain proper alignment without compromising hand mobility.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact external wrist fixator with slidably interconnected bar sections and angled holes for standard bone fixation wires and pins, which cross each other at the fracture site to stabilize the distal radius fracture without immobilizing the wrist, using a minimally invasive technique to prevent Ligamentotaxis and facilitate early mobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external fixation devices are used to stabilize distal radius fractures, then fracture stability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase causing patient discomfort and immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The external fixation device is divided into two separate bars: a longitudinal bar and a transverse bar. Each bar independently stabilizes the fracture from different orientations, providing comprehensive stabilization while keeping each individual component lightweight and simple in structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pins are anchored to the hand or wrist to immobilize the fracture site, then fracture alignment is maintained, but hand mobility is restricted causing Ligamentotaxis and prolonged rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented between two bars with different orientations. The longitudinal bar provides anterior-posterior stability while the transverse bar provides medial-lateral stability. This segmentation allows the fracture to be stabilized without anchoring pins to the hand, preserving wrist and hand mobility while preventing Ligamentotaxis.
3Strength
If extensive invasive surgical procedures are used to insert internal fastening devices, then fracture fixation strength is improved, but infection risk and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is extracted from the internal domain and placed in the external domain. Instead of inserting complex internal plates and screws through extensive surgery, the device uses external bars with pins that pass through the skin and soft tissue to anchor into the bone, providing strong fixation while minimizing surgical invasiveness and reducing infection risk.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If heavy external fixation devices are used for prolonged periods, then fracture healing is supported, but patient comfort and mobility are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two lightweight bars oriented perpendicular to each other, each providing specific directional stability. This segmented approach achieves comprehensive fracture stabilization with minimal weight, allowing patients to maintain comfort and mobility during the prolonged healing period compared to traditional heavy monolithic fixation devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An external fixation device and method, which is designed for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures. More particularly, the provision is made for an external orthopaedic wrist fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures which may be encountered in the distal radial portion of the forearm of a patient, through the utilization of novel cross pin arrangements extending through the site of the fracture for fracture fixation and with the absence of the risks and discomfort of encountered Ligamentotaxis.