Ulna Osteotomy Plate for Canine Elbow Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting misalignments in the elbow joint of dogs, such as those caused by fragmented coronoid process (FCP), fail to effectively realign the humerus and ulna bones, leading to ongoing lameness and joint damage, as existing surgeries like elbow replacement are complex and ineffective, and procedures like sliding humeral osteotomy only redistribute forces without adjusting the bone angles.
Innovation Solution
A surgical procedure involving cutting the ulna below the elbow to realign the humerus and ulna bones by using a custom plate with angled and flat portions to reconnect and stabilize the ulna, allowing for precise adjustment of the bone angles based on imaging to correct the misalignment, and potentially lengthening the ulna to match the humerus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elbow replacement is performed, then joint function is restored, but surgical complexity and risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the damaged bone fragment (coronoid process) separately from the joint replacement procedure. By taking out only the problematic fragment rather than replacing the entire joint, the surgery becomes less complex while still restoring joint function.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure segments the problem by addressing only the specific damaged portion (coronoid process fragment) rather than the entire elbow joint. This segmentation allows for a less invasive surgical approach that avoids the complexity of full joint replacement while still achieving functional restoration.
2Force
If sliding humeral osteotomy is performed, then force distribution is improved, but bone alignment precision remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the bone fragment at its correct anatomical location before final fixation. The plate is designed with predetermined angles and positions that guide the bone fragment into proper alignment, ensuring both force distribution and alignment precision are achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the simple force-redistribution mechanism of sliding osteotomy with a mechanical fixation system (plate and screws) that precisely controls bone position. This substitution allows for both improved force distribution and precise alignment control simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bone fragments are removed in FCP treatment, then joint damage is reduced, but bone misalignment persists
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary element (the fixation plate) that mediates between the removed bone fragment and the remaining bone structure. The plate acts as a mediator to maintain proper alignment and spacing after fragment removal, preventing the misalignment that would otherwise persist.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the bone edges in their correct anatomical relationship before fixation. The plate is designed to enforce proper alignment from the beginning of the healing process, preventing misalignment rather than allowing it to develop.
Data Source
AI summary
The medial compartment is realigned by adjusting the angle of the ulna so that the head end thereof is properly aligned with the humerus. The angle of the ulna is adjusted by cutting the ulna below the head. A plate is attached to the ulna to set the new angle. The plate has two parts; one part is straight, the other is angled. Different plates have parts with different angles. A plate with a desired angle is selected to achieve the necessary angle on the ulna. The plate may be attached to the medial side or lateral side of the ulna.