Subcutaneous Humerus Plate for Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing long bone fractures, such as external fixation and transportation casts, are either cumbersome, prone to infection, or unsuitable for polytrauma patients, and internal fixation techniques are contraindicated due to logistical and physiologic constraints in combat zones and resource-limited settings.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive subcutaneous treatment method using an elongated plate tunnelled subcutaneously and supramuscularly parallel to the fractured humerus, with attachment screws locking into threaded holes, allowing for stabilization without external components, reducing the risk of infection and suitable for battlefield and resource-limited environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external fixation is used, then soft tissue access is allowed and polytrauma patients can be treated, but pin site sepsis or colonization may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fixation plate from the external environment and places it subcutaneously, removing the external pins that cause sepsis while maintaining the fixation function. The plate is positioned beneath the skin but remains accessible for soft tissue evaluation and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The subcutaneous plate serves as an intermediary between external fixation and internal fixation, providing the benefits of both: it allows soft tissue access like external fixation while being hidden beneath the skin like internal fixation, thereby eliminating pin site infection risks.
2Ease of operation
If transportation casts are used, then soft tissues are well supported and maximum options are preserved, but casts cover soft tissues and are more labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into modular components including the subcutaneous plate and separate attachment screws, allowing for easier application and adjustment compared to the monolithic casting procedure while maintaining soft tissue support.
3Reliability
If intramedullary nailing is used, then internal fixation is achieved, but extensive incisions are required which are contraindicated in combat zones
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the plate from the medullary canal and positions it subcutaneously, eliminating the need for extensive incisions and muscle dissection while still achieving reliable internal fixation through attachment screws that secure the plate to the bone.
4Reliability
If standard internal fixation plates are used, then fracture stabilization is achieved, but extensive incisions and muscle dissection are required increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of extensive dissection into benefit by using the subcutaneous space as a natural pathway for plate placement, avoiding muscle dissection and reducing infection risk while maintaining fracture stabilization through the same attachment screw mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention is a novel method and construct for temporary or definitive minimally invasive treatment of a broken humerus. The method includes the steps of tunneling an elongated plate subcutaneously in the subcutaneous fat layer substantially parallel to the fractured humerus; and attaching the ends of the elongated plate to the fractured humerus. The elongated plate remains disposed in the subcutaneous fat layer and away from, but parallel to the humerus once attached to the humerus.