Volar Distal Radius Plate with Variable Angle Locking Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical plating systems for stabilizing distal radius and ulna fractures lack effective anatomical articular reduction and stable fixation, particularly in the volar approach, leading to inadequate stress distribution and potential complications like osteonecrosis.
Innovation Solution
The development of a volar distal radius stabilization system featuring a bone plate with anatomically contoured surfaces and variable angle fasteners, including locking and non-locking holes, and self-forming threads, which allows for dynamic compression and precise alignment to distribute stress effectively and minimize tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard plate is used for distal radius fracture fixation, then the plate can be easily applied, but it fails to provide effective anatomical articular reduction and stable fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into distinct functional zones: a body portion for diaphyseal fixation and a head portion for articular surface reconstruction. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the body for structural stability and the head for anatomical reduction, thereby achieving reliable fixation without requiring an entirely complex new design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate are given different properties: the body portion has a standard configuration for easy application, while the head portion features anatomical contours and specific hole configurations for articular reduction. This local differentiation enables the plate to provide both ease of application and stable fixation by optimizing each region for its specific function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking screws are used to secure the plate, then the fixation stability is improved, but the stress concentration in the bone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates both locking and non-locking screw options, allowing dynamic adjustment of fixation stability. Non-locking screws permit micro-movement and stress distribution through the bone, while locking screws provide rigid fixation when needed. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize between stability and stress distribution based on fracture characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The head portion of the plate features variable angle screw holes that can accommodate screws at different angles and orientations. This parameter variation allows surgeons to optimize screw placement to distribute stresses more evenly across the articular surface while maintaining fixation stability, reducing stress concentration points.
3Stress or pressure
If the plate contacts the bone over a large area, then load transfer is dispersed and stress concentration is reduced, but anatomical articular reduction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plate's contact area with the bone is segmented into the body portion and head portion. The body portion provides broad contact for stress distribution, while the head portion is contoured to match the articular surface geometry, enabling precise anatomical reduction. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of stress dispersion and anatomical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The head portion of the plate features curved, anatomical contours that match the natural geometry of the distal radius articular surface. This curvature enables precise anatomical reduction by conforming to the bone's natural shape, while the body portion maintains broad contact for stress distribution.
4Measurement precision
If variable angle fasteners are used, then precise alignment and dynamic compression are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate combines multiple functions into the head portion: variable angle screw holes for precise alignment, anatomical contours for articular reduction, and support for both locking and non-locking screws for dynamic compression. This merging of functions achieves precise fastener placement and dynamic compression capabilities while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for bone stabilization, especially ulna head stabilization. The stabilization system may include a bone plate having an elongated portion extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The bone plate defines a plurality of through holes extending through the elongated portion. A plurality of fasteners are configured to extend through one or more of the plurality of through holes in the bone plate and configured to secure the bone plate to the bone. The proximal end of the elongate portion has an arcuate configuration.