Small-Tibia Bone Plate With Four-Hole Quadrangular Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional T-shaped bone plates for opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) are ill-suited for small tibias, causing gaps and lifting issues that can affect surrounding tissues due to their size and shape, particularly in small patients.
Innovation Solution
A band-like bone plate with a longitudinal shaft and lateral head portion, featuring four screw holes arranged in a quadrangular pattern and inclined bone screws forming a space truss structure, optimized for small tibias to minimize gaps and lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional T-shaped bone plate is used on a small tibia, then the bone plate can provide fixation, but the bone plate is lifted from the surface of the epiphyseal, creating a space between the head portion and the epiphyseal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bone plate, specifically reducing the size of the head portion and adjusting the dimensions to match the smaller tibia anatomy. This parameter adjustment allows the bone plate to maintain contact with the epiphyseal surface without creating gaps, while still providing adequate fixation strength.
2Strength
If a conventional T-shaped bone plate is used on a small tibia, then the shaft portion is too long, but the bone plate can still provide fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the length parameter of the shaft portion to be appropriate for small tibias. By changing this dimensional parameter, the bone plate achieves proper fit and fixation strength without the excessive length that would cause lifting and create harmful gaps.
3Strength
If a conventional T-shaped bone plate is used on a small tibia, then the bone plate is lifted from the medial surface of the tibia, creating a space, but fixation can still be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the overall dimensions and shape parameters of the bone plate to eliminate gaps between the plate and the tibial surface. This parameter optimization ensures continuous contact, preventing the harmful lifting effect while maintaining sufficient fixation strength through properly positioned screw holes.
4Strength
If a conventional T-shaped bone plate is used on a small tibia, then the anterior portion of the head portion is lifted from the surface, but fixation can still be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the shape parameters of the head portion, specifically modifying its size and contour to match the smaller epiphyseal surface. This parameter change ensures the anterior portion maintains contact with the bone surface, eliminating lifting while preserving fixation capability through appropriately positioned screw holes.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate includes: a shaft portion extending in a longitudinal direction; and a head portion disposed on a proximal side of the shaft portion and having four screw holes arranged in a quadrangular shape. The four screw holes include first and second screw holes arranged in the lateral direction, and a third screw hole and a fourth screw hole located between the first screw hole and the second screw hole in the lateral direction and arranged further on the proximal side and distal side with respect to the first and second screw holes, respectively.