Sternal Plate Fixation With Loop Fasteners for Healing Micro-Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sternum fixation devices are cumbersome, costly, and prone to complications such as infection, non-union, and hardware failure, particularly in patients with compromised health, and do not adequately address the biomechanical needs of the sternum during healing.
Innovation Solution
A sternum fixation device utilizing a biocompatible plastic plate with zip tie-like fasteners that pass behind the sternum through intercostal spaces, providing load-sharing and allowing micro-motion for healthy bone healing, with easy application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid internal fixation with stainless steel wires is used, then the sternum can be securely fixed, but the device becomes complicated and time-consuming to implant
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate modular components: a plate body and multiple independent fastening members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the implantation process compared to traditional monolithic rigid fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is extracted from the plate body as separate fastening members that can be independently applied. This extraction simplifies the overall device structure and reduces implantation time while maintaining fixation reliability through the modular assembly of plate and fasteners.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wire fixation is used, then the procedure is cost effective, but complications such as infection and non-union occur at high rates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate body is designed with specific local characteristics including a contoured surface that conforms to the sternal anatomy and strategically positioned fastening members. This local optimization enhances fixation reliability at critical locations while maintaining overall cost effectiveness through the use of biocompatible materials and simplified construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite construction combining a biocompatible plate body material with separate fastening members. This composite approach improves healing reliability by providing superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility compared to traditional wire fixation, while remaining cost effective through efficient material utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sternum is fixed rigidly, then anatomical alignment is maintained, but bone healing is compromised due to lack of micro-motion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device incorporates dynamic characteristics through the plate body design that allows controlled micro-motion while maintaining overall anatomical alignment. The plate provides stable positioning during healing while permitting physiological movement that promotes bone healing, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and healing promotion.
4Strength
If complex fixation devices are used, then fixation strength is improved, but the devices are over engineered and lead to unexpected complications
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the plate body as separate, simple fastening members rather than integrating complex mechanisms into the plate. This extraction reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adequate fixation strength through the optimized interaction between the plate and fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening members are designed as simple, disposable components that can be easily applied and removed. This approach avoids the need for complex, expensive, and difficult-to-remove fixation mechanisms, reducing the risk of unexpected complications while providing sufficient fixation strength for the healing period.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for compressing a plate against a surface of a bone is provided. The system includes a fastener and a plate having a body. The body has a first and second longitudinal side that are substantially parallel to each other. The plate defines first slots proximal to the first longitudinal side, and the plate defines second slots proximal to the second longitudinal side. Each slot of the first slots is situated generally opposite a corresponding slot of the second slots. The body is contoured to lie passively against the bone. Further, each of the first slots is configured to receive a fastener, each of the second slots is configured to receive the fastener after the fastener has been looped around the bone, and pulling on an end of the fastener through a respective slot of the second slots tensions the fastener to compress the plate around the bone.