Universal Bone Plate Layout for Multi-Bone Fracture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plate systems are designed for specific bones, requiring multiple systems and instruments for treating multiple bone fractures, leading to equipment overpopulation and increased surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single bone plate system designed for multiple bones, including common anchoring elements and tooling, with color-coded instrument trays and ergonomically organized screw racks, facilitating easy identification and use of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bone plate systems are used for different bones, then each bone can be treated with a specialized system, but the number of instruments and equipment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bone plate system where a single plate design with standardized holes can be used across multiple bone types (femur, tibia, humerus, radius, ulna, fibula). The plate incorporates both threaded holes for locking screws and smooth compression holes, enabling it to function for various fracture types and bones without requiring separate specialized systems for each bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate is divided into functional segments with different hole types (threaded locking holes and smooth compression holes) arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows the single plate to handle multiple functions: angular stable fixation via locking screws and compression fixation via smooth holes, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bone plate systems are used for different bones, then each bone can be treated with a specialized system, but the surgical procedure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The universal plate system allows surgeons to treat multiple different bones using the same plate design and the same set of instruments. The standardized hole patterns and dimensions enable consistent surgical technique across various bone types, eliminating the need to learn and switch between multiple specialized systems, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining the same plate design and hole configuration, the system adapts to different bones by adjusting screw parameters (length, diameter, type) rather than changing the plate itself. This allows the surgeon to use the same plate and basic instrumentation across multiple bones, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining bone-specific adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate bone plate systems are used for different bones, then each bone can be treated with a specialized system, but the operating room becomes overpopulated with equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The universal bone plate system consolidates the need for multiple specialized plates into a single plate design that can be used across six different bone types. This eliminates the need to stock and use separate instrument sets for each bone, thereby reducing the total quantity of equipment in the operating room while maintaining the ability to treat various bones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple separate bone plate systems into a single unified system. By combining various hole configurations and maintaining compatibility across different bone types, the patent reduces equipment quantity by eliminating redundant instruments and components that would otherwise be required for separate specialized systems.
4Device complexity
If a single bone plate system is used for multiple bones, then equipment quantity is reduced, but the plate must accommodate various bone geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate incorporates local quality variations with different hole types (threaded and smooth) arranged in specific patterns that can accommodate different bone geometries and fracture types. The plate features contoured shapes and strategically positioned holes that adapt to the specific anatomical requirements of each bone while maintaining a unified overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal plate system provides dynamic adaptability through its standardized hole configuration that can accommodate various screw types, lengths, and angles. The plate's design allows it to be adapted to different bone geometries by selecting appropriate screw parameters and hole configurations, enabling a single static plate design to serve multiple dynamic surgical requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone plate system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of anatomically designed plates and a plurality of utility plates. The system also includes different instrument sets for use with the plates and a screw rack for housing different screw sizes in a discrete and easy to access fashion.