Sternal Fixation Plate and Strap Structure for Healing Micro-Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sternum fixation devices are cumbersome, costly, and prone to complications such as infection, non-union, and hardware failure, particularly in patients with underlying health issues, and do not adequately address the biomechanical and biological needs of sternum healing.
Innovation Solution
A novel sternum fixation device using a thermoplastic polymer plate with zip tie-like fasteners that pass behind the sternum through intercostal spaces, providing load-sharing and micro-motion to promote healing, while being easily implantable and removable, and compatible with diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stainless steel wires are used for cerclage fixation, then the sternum can be held together, but the device is cumbersome and time-consuming to implant
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into two separate components: a plate that attaches to the sternum and a cable that passes through the plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the plate provides stable attachment points while the cable provides adjustable tensioning, simplifying the overall implantation process compared to traditional wire cerclage
Solution Approach 2:
The plate acts as an intermediary component between the sternum and the cable. It provides a stable mounting structure with multiple attachment points, allowing the cable to be routed and tensioned more easily than direct wire cerclage, thereby reducing implantation complexity while maintaining fixation reliability
2Reliability
If traditional wire fixation is used, then cost is minimized, but complications such as infection and non-union occur at high rates
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines a rigid plate component with a flexible cable component, creating a composite fixation system. This allows for better load distribution across the sternum compared to traditional wires, reducing stress concentration that can lead to non-union and infection, while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cable component provides dynamic adjustability in tension, allowing the fixation device to adapt to the healing process. This dynamic capability enables optimization of compressive forces on the sternum over time, improving healing outcomes while reducing the risk of complications associated with static wire fixation
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is applied, then anatomical alignment is maintained, but micro-motion necessary for healing is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for adjustment of the cable tension parameter, enabling the clinician to optimize the balance between stability and micro-motion. By adjusting cable tension, the system can provide sufficient stability for anatomical alignment while maintaining controlled micro-motion that promotes bone healing, resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and healing promotion
4Reliability
If multiple components are used for fixation, then stability is improved, but implantation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a plate and cable components that can be prepared separately and assembled relatively quickly. The plate can be pre-formed with attachment points, and the cable can be pre-cut to length, allowing for efficient implantation. This segmentation provides fixation stability through multiple attachment points while minimizing implantation time through pre-prepared components
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and technique for infernally securing a plurality of bone segments together. The device incorporates a plate-like structure stabilizing the fracture and integrated fasteners to attach straps circumscribing the bone segments.