Universal Bone Fixation Anchor With Composite Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone fixation systems face challenges in securing screws in osteoporotic bones, where low bone density leads to loose connections, and in providing universal compatibility with various bone screws, while also ensuring easy removal without bone growth interference.
Innovation Solution
A universal bone-fixation anchor comprising a soft material for initial fixation, a rigid material for expansion and secure anchoring, and features like expandable blades and a flexible cover to prevent bone growth, allowing for secure screw engagement and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pedicle screw is used on osteoporotic patients, then the screw can be installed in the bone, but the lack of bone density makes it difficult to properly engage the bone screw threads resulting in a fragile connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fixation function into two separate components: an anchor inserted into the bone and a screw that engages with the anchor. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide stable bone engagement while the screw provides adjustable fixation strength, resolving the contradiction between installation feasibility and connection strength in osteoporotic bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is constructed with a soft inner material and a rigid outer material, creating a composite structure. The soft material allows easy insertion and adaptation to the bone cavity, while the rigid outer material provides structural strength and stable engagement, thereby improving both the reliability of fixation and the ease of installation in osteoporotic bone.
2Reliability
If an expandable anchor with hollows and asperities is used to secure fixation with bone, then fixation stability is improved, but bone may grow into the anchor preventing its removal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating an expandable anchor with hollows and asperities that promote bone growth for stability, this invention uses a smooth-walled anchor that prevents bone ingrowth. The inversion lies in achieving fixation stability through a different mechanism (smooth surface insertion and secure anchoring) rather than through bone integration, thereby maintaining removability while ensuring stable fixation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal anchor design is created to be compatible with most bone screws, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of ensuring compatibility with various screw designs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed with a standardized cylindrical shape and smooth outer surface that can accommodate various screw designs without requiring complex adaptations. This universal design allows different screws to engage with the same anchor type, improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple anchor geometry and reducing design complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the anchor is made with soft material for easy insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but the anchor may not provide sufficient structural strength for secure fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor combines soft inner material with rigid outer material in a composite structure. The soft inner material facilitates easy insertion and adaptation to the bone cavity, while the rigid outer material provides the necessary structural strength for secure fixation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bone-fixation anchor comprising a rigid expandable part and a soft part. The rigid expandable part secures the anchor with respect to the bone and the soft part enables the anchor to fit any bone screw on the market.