Adjustable Sternal Plate Bridging for Minimally Invasive Fracture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sternal fracture repair are inefficient and lack the ability to effectively manage the random displacement and telescoping of sternal fragments, often resulting in inadequate alignment and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rib plate apparatus comprising a bridge plate and sternal plates, along with a sternal retractor, allows for minimally invasive repair by distracting, elevating, and compressing the displaced sternal fragments using a combination of screws, nuts, and a rack and pinion mechanism to achieve precise alignment and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional open surgical methods are used for sternal fracture repair, then direct visualization and manual alignment are achieved, but surgical trauma is increased and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components: sternal plates for individual fragments, bridge plates for spanning fracture gaps, and retractors for fragment manipulation. This segmentation allows minimally invasive insertion while maintaining precise alignment capability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge plate acts as an intermediary element that spans across the fracture gap between sternal fragments. It provides indirect fixation and stabilization without requiring direct contact with all fracture surfaces, enabling minimally invasive repair while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-configuration fixation devices are used, then surgical procedure is simplified, but adaptability to random fracture patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sternal plates incorporate adjustable screw hole configurations that can be positioned at different locations along the plate length. This dynamic adjustability allows the same plate design to adapt to various fracture patterns and sternal fragment configurations without requiring multiple specialized plate types.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge plate and sternal plate design serves multiple functions: it provides fracture fixation, fragment alignment, and stabilization across different fracture configurations. The universal design with adjustable parameters eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining adaptability to random fracture patterns.
3Reliability
If multiple separate fixation devices are used for sternal fragments, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but surgical time and procedure complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of fragment fixation and fracture bridging into an integrated construct. The sternal plates attach to fracture fragments while the bridge plate spans the fracture gap, creating a unified stabilization system that achieves reliable fracture fixation in a single coordinated procedure rather than requiring multiple separate devices and steps.
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 solution enables precise alignment and stabilization of sternal fragments, facilitating effective minimally invasive sternal fracture repair by allowing for adjustable distraction and compression, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral control arm has a rack and pinion mechanism that enables lateral movement of the lateral control arm to shorten and lengthen a lateral distance between the first and second arms.
Implementation Method 2
The first foot plate attached to the distal end via a first universal joint. The first arm has a plurality of elongated first arm members connected together in a first series via a plurality of single axis joints.
Implementation Method 3
The first arm has a plurality of elongated first arm members connected together in a first series via a plurality of single axis joints.
Implementation Method 4
The opposing sides have a periphery defined by opposing side edges and opposing ends. The elongated bodies of each have a plurality of screw holes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an adjustable rib plate apparatus for repairing a fractured sternum are disclosed. The apparatus has a bridge plate, a first sternal plate, and a second sternal plate. The first and second sternal plates each have screw holes. The first and second sternal plates are attached to the first and second sternal parts via screws installed in the screw holes. The bridge plate also has elongated unthreaded screw holes and is installed with screws over respective parts of the sternal plates. The bridge plate overlaps respective parts of the first and second sternal plates so that the elongated screw holes are in sufficient alignment with underlying screw holes associated with the sternal plates to enable the bridge plate to move during installation of the apparatus.