Variable-Angle Periprosthetic Bone Plate Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Periprosthetic fractures surrounding a previous surgically implanted orthopedic implant pose unique fixation challenges due to interference from the previous implant, osteoporosis, and bone defects, complicating the placement and securement of subsequent bone fixation plates.
Innovation Solution
A targeting system with an alignment guide and plug is used to accurately locate and insert fasteners into variable angled openings in a periprosthetic bone plate, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of surgical instruments without dislodging, utilizing a combo-slot and plug to define a trajectory for the fastener insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a periprosthetic bone plate is used to secure fractured bone adjacent to a previous orthopedic implant, then the fracture can be stabilized, but the previous implant interferes with the placement of the bone fixation plate and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple fastening regions with variable angled openings distributed along its length, allowing selective placement of fasteners in locations that avoid interference with the previous implant. This segmentation enables the surgeon to choose optimal fastening positions that stabilize the fracture while circumventing the obstructing implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces variable angled openings that deviate from the conventional linear or axial fastening approach by allowing fasteners to be inserted at multiple angles. This dimensional flexibility enables the surgical instrument to navigate around the previous implant in three-dimensional space, achieving plate fixation without direct interference from the existing hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable angled openings are used in the periprosthetic bone plate to avoid previous implant interference, then placement freedom is improved, but the openings have smaller diameter which increases insertion difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
A targeting system with alignment guide and plug is provided to establish the precise trajectory for fastener insertion before the actual insertion occurs. The alignment guide is positioned on the bone plate and the plug is inserted through the variable angled opening to define the exact path, allowing the surgical instrument to be accurately aligned with the small opening, thereby reducing insertion difficulty despite the limited diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting system acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the small variable angled openings. The alignment guide and plug serve as mediators that facilitate the insertion process by providing a reference framework, enabling precise instrument alignment with the narrow openings without requiring direct manual precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If a targeting system with alignment guide and plug is used to define trajectory for fastener insertion, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting functionality is extracted as a separate, removable alignment guide and plug assembly rather than being integrated into the bone plate itself. This allows the precision targeting features to be separated from the main surgical implant, enabling the alignment guide to be positioned and removed independently to establish trajectories without permanently complicating the bone plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide creates a physical copy or representation of the desired fastener trajectory through the variable angled openings. By using the plug and alignment guide to define the trajectory path, the system creates a temporary template that replicates the precise insertion path without requiring complex permanent structural modifications to the bone plate or surgical field.
Data Source
AI summary
A targeting system is disclosed. In use, the targeting system is configured to target (e.g., aim, locate, etc.) a fastener opening in a bone plate, more particularly, a variable angled fastener opening formed in a periphery of a periprosthetic bone plate. In one embodiment, the targeting system includes an alignment guide including a plurality of combo-slots for targeting a plurality of openings formed in the periprosthetic bone plate. In addition, the targeting system includes a plug configured to be positioned within the combo-slots formed in the alignment guide. In use, positioning the plug into the combo-slot formed in the alignment guide transforms the combo-slot into a substantially circular hole or opening with a predefined trajectory aligned with one of the variable angled openings formed in the periphery of the periprosthetic bone plate thereby defining a trajectory from the alignment guide to the variable angled opening.