Shape Memory Staple with Movable Bridge for Bone Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape memory staples used in bone fixation, such as nickel-titanium staples, face limitations in adapting to anatomical contours due to shape changes that cause the staple to lift from the bone surface, reducing fixation quality and limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory staple designed to compress and offset bone segments by changing shape out of the plane of the bone surface, using a bridge with movable members and legs that secure to bones, allowing for vertical displacement and offset forces to realign or distract bones without lifting from the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory staples change shape to adapt to anatomical contours, then adaptability is improved, but the staple lifts from the bone surface causing reduced fixation quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge mechanism that enables the staple to change shape in a third dimension (out of the plane of the bone surface). This dimensional change allows the staple to adapt to anatomical contours while maintaining contact with the bone surface through rotational movement rather than lifting
Solution Approach 2:
The staple incorporates a hinge that allows dynamic shape change from a first configuration to a second configuration. This dynamic capability enables the staple to adapt to different anatomical contours while maintaining reliable fixation through controlled movement rather than unwanted lifting
2Adaptability or versatility
If the staple changes shape out of the plane of the bone surface, then bone realignment capability is improved, but the staple may lift from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables shape change in a dimension perpendicular to the bone surface plane, allowing bone realignment while the rotational nature of the hinge maintains staple-bone contact throughout the transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the shape change required for bone realignment and the need to maintain staple-bone contact. It translates the shape change into a rotational movement that preserves contact
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 staple effectively compresses or distracts bone segments, providing stable fixation and realignment without the issue of lifting, enhancing surgical outcomes by maintaining contact with the bone surface and promoting bone fusion or correction.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory staple that provides restraint forces in multiple planes would be beneficial to surgeons
Data Source
AI summary
A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member.