Threaded Compression Wire for Small Bone Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation methods, such as plates, wires, and screws, are inadequate for small bone fractures due to space constraints and inefficiency in applying compression, which hinders effective stabilization and bone healing.
Innovation Solution
A partially threaded compression wire with a trocar insertion point and a crimpable button is used to apply tension and maintain compression between bone segments, optionally augmented with an internally threaded screw or helix implant for osteoporotic bone, allowing for precise tensioning and crimping using a cannulated instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard plates are used for bone fixation, then stabilization is provided, but space requirements limit use to long bone fractures and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential stabilization function from complex plate systems and implements it through a simplified wire-based mechanism with a button anchor, eliminating the need for extensive hardware while maintaining bone fixation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wire and button assembly represents a simpler, more disposable-friendly alternative to reusable plates, allowing for easier removal and replacement without the complexity of plate-screw systems
2Ease of operation
If standard wires are used for bone fixation, then flexibility is provided, but inability to apply measured compression reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The button anchor system provides tactile and visual feedback during tensioning, allowing the surgeon to feel and observe when optimal compression is achieved, ensuring reliable force application while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The wire transitions from a simple flexible element to a tensioned compression device through controlled parameter changes in tension force and button positioning, enabling measured compression without complex mechanisms
3Reliability
If tension is applied to maintain compression, then bone healing is promoted, but difficulty in maintaining tension over time reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The button anchor system is self-maintaining once installed, with the crimped button automatically holding tension without requiring external fixation devices or repeated adjustments, eliminating the need for external frames or bolts
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning and crimping is performed preliminarily during surgery to establish the required compression force, which then self-maintains throughout healing without further intervention
4Reliability
If a threaded wire is used for bone fixation, then compression is applied, but lack of secure anchoring in poor quality bone reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The button anchor concentrates the anchoring function at a specific location within the bone, creating a localized secure attachment point that is independent of overall bone quality, allowing reliable fixation even in osteoporotic bone
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of threaded wire and button anchor creates a composite fixation system that leverages both threading for initial placement and button crimping for secure anchoring, providing adaptability across different bone qualities
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
This method provides effective stabilization and promotion of bone healing by applying measured compression to small bone fractures, particularly in the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot, through precise tensioning and crimping techniques, enhancing bone growth and healing rates.
Implementation Method 1
Tension is applied to the wire and maintained by a bolt and washer system
Implementation Method 2
The wire is inserted through both bone segments and put into compression in order to adjoin the segments under a measured tension
Implementation Method 3
The wire is crimped in the button to maintain the compression
Data Source
AI summary
A partially threaded compression wire with a trocar insertion point is inserted into a first bone fragment and a mating button is crimped into position on the wire to cause compression between the first bone fragment and a second bone fragment. A cannulated instrument applies tension to the wire and crimps the button. In a second embodiment, the wire further includes an internally threaded screw or helix. In the related method, the threaded wire is implanted ante grade or retrograde into the first bone segment and a button is crimped to the wire to apply compression to a second bone segment either cutaneously or percutaneously.