Self-Expanding Intramedullary Fixation for Periarticular Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fracture repair methods, particularly for periarticular and intrarticular fractures, face challenges in achieving proper anatomic alignment and stabilization, especially in osteoporotic bones, due to limited effectiveness of existing fixation devices in providing rotational and transverse stability, and the need for multiple sizes of implants to match patient anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A self-expanding structural support system with an anchoring substrate is deployed within the intramedullary cavity, providing axial, bending, and torsional stability, and allowing for the use of shorter anchors, which can be expanded to fit irregular bone cavities, and is made from biocompatible materials like titanium and Nitinol to reduce tissue damage and infection risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixation devices (plates and screws) are used for periarticular and intrarticular fractures, then the surgery can be performed with standard techniques, but the rotational and transverse stability is insufficient and anatomic alignment is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal segment, distal segment, and intermediate segment that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific location and function, improving overall stability while facilitating easier alignment during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic features including expandable elements and adjustable components that can adapt to the specific anatomical requirements of the fracture site. The expandable portion allows the device to conform to irregular bone cavities, providing stable fixation while maintaining ease of installation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If standard intramedullary rods or nails are used, then soft-tissue trauma is minimized, but they cannot stabilize multi-segment fractures and require reaming that thins cortical bone support
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fixation function across multiple independent components including proximal and distal fixation elements with intermediate support segments. This allows stabilization of multi-segment fractures without requiring extensive reaming, as each segment can be independently positioned to provide the necessary stability while preserving cortical bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features a nested configuration where an expandable portion is positioned within the intramedullary cavity, and the entire assembly is contained within a protective outer structure. This nested design provides stable fixation for multi-segment fractures while minimizing the need for aggressive reaming and preserving cortical bone support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of implants are used to match patient anatomy, then proper fitting is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates expandable elements that can be adjusted in size during the surgical procedure to match the specific patient anatomy. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple pre-fabricated sizes, reducing device complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining proper fitting for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for intraoperative changes in critical dimensions through expandable mechanisms. By enabling parameter changes during the procedure rather than requiring multiple fixed-size implants, the system achieves adaptability to various patient anatomies while simplifying the device lineup and reducing inventory complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively stabilizes fractures in complex patterns, reduces soft tissue trauma, and promotes healing by distributing load similarly to native bone, while being adaptable to various fracture types and bone qualities, including osteoporotic bone, and can be used in conjunction with other fixation methods.
Implementation Method 1
A self-expanding structural support system with an anchoring substrate is deployed within the intramedullary cavity
Implementation Method 2
made from biocompatible materials like titanium and Nitinol to reduce tissue damage and infection risk
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment. The anchoring substrate may transmit tension from a distal bone segment anchor in the first bone segment to a proximal bone segment anchor in the second bone segment. The apparatus may be configured to be deployed percutaneously in an inner cavity of a bone. The apparatus may be installed in an open fracture. The apparatus may be expanded, self-expanding or configured for mechanically actuation. Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a central axis member that may be used in conjunction with expansion of one or both of the structural support and the anchoring substrate to configure the apparatus.