Triangular Bone Fixation for Weight-Bearing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for stabilizing bones in foot and ankle surgeries, such as arthrodesis, face limitations in providing adequate support against compression and tension forces during weight-bearing, particularly in patients with conditions like diabetes, where non-weight-bearing restrictions are difficult to maintain, leading to potential procedure failure.
Innovation Solution
A bone securement apparatus comprising a locking plate with beaming and support screws that form a triangular structure, providing enhanced rigidity and stability by threading into bone fragments, allowing for secure fixation and resistance to both compression and tension forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking plate technology is used to simulate the rigidity of an external fixator, then structural rigidity is improved, but the ability to withstand compression and tension forces during weight-bearing remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional plate structure to a three-dimensional triangular construct by adding a third screw that intersects with two other screws. This dimensional change creates a stable triangular geometry that provides superior structural rigidity and weight-bearing capability compared to conventional plate fixation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular construct is designed in advance to preemptively counteract the compression and tension forces that will occur during weight-bearing. The intersecting screw configuration creates a pre-stabilized structure that resists these forces before they are applied, preventing motion at the arthrodesis site during the critical healing period.
2Device complexity
If simple K wires or internal wire fixation are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide adequate compression and alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the simplicity of screw fixation with the structural advantages of triangular geometry. By combining three screws in a triangular configuration, the device achieves both structural superiority and relative simplicity, avoiding the need for complex external fixators while providing adequate compression and alignment.
3Strength
If external fixation with an Ilizarov fixator is used to provide higher compression, then compression strength is improved, but device complexity and technical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential functional advantage of external fixation (high compression and stability) and implements it through a simplified internal fixation device. The triangular screw construct provides the necessary compression strength without requiring the complex external Ilizarov fixator structure, reducing technical difficulty and improving patient compliance.
4Stability of the object's composition
If locking plate technology is used, then structural rigidity is improved, but the ability to prevent motion at the arthrodesis site during weight-bearing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a third dimension to the fixation structure by introducing an intersecting screw that creates a triangular geometry. This dimensional enhancement transforms the rigid but motion-prone plate structure into a stable triangular construct that effectively prevents motion at the arthrodesis site during weight-bearing activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone securement apparatus includes a bone plate configured and dimensioned to be applied across a joint of at least two bones or a space between at least two bone fragments. The bone plate includes first and second openings. A beaming member is configured to pass through the first opening, and the beaming member includes a third opening. A support member is configured to pass through the second opening and the third opening.