Washer Plate Slotted Opening for Periprosthetic Fracture Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Periprosthetic fractures, particularly in osteopenic patients, are challenging to treat due to interference from previously implanted prosthetics and poor bone quality, and existing bone plates do not effectively provide additional fixation or support without disturbing prior implants.
Innovation Solution
A washer plate with a slotted opening and a second hole design that allows for sliding engagement with locking screws, enabling additional fixation and support without interfering with intramedullary nails or prosthetics, allowing for precise positioning and fixation to the bone without additional instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a standard bone plate with regular openings is used, then the plate can be easily manufactured and positioned, but it cannot provide effective additional fixation without disturbing prior implants such as intramedullary nails
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion (circular or oval) that receives the head portion of the bone fixation element, and a second elongated portion that extends along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the plate to engage with existing implants through the first portion while the second portion provides additional stabilization without interfering with the intramedullary nail or prosthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the opening have different geometries optimized for specific functions: the first portion is sized and shaped to accommodate the head of the bone fixation element (locking screw), while the second elongated portion is designed to engage with the bone cortex or provide sliding engagement. This local differentiation allows the single opening to perform multiple fixation functions simultaneously.
2Strength
If additional fixation elements are added to improve bone stability, then fracture fixation strength is improved, but the risk of interfering with existing prosthetics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer plate acts as an intermediary device between the bone and the intramedullary nail/prosthetics. The first portion of the opening receives the head portion of a bone fixation element that passes through the intramedullary nail, allowing the plate to engage with the fixation element without directly contacting or disturbing the nail or prosthetics themselves. This intermediary engagement provides additional fixation while avoiding interference with existing implants.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plate is designed to engage with locking screw heads, then fixation stability is improved, but the plate positioning becomes more difficult without additional instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The second elongated portion of the opening is designed to allow sliding engagement of the bone fixation element head. As the plate is positioned along the bone, the head portion can slide through the first portion and engage with the second elongated portion, allowing dynamic adjustment during positioning. This sliding capability enables the plate to be positioned and stabilized without requiring additional alignment instruments, as the geometry itself guides the engagement process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A plate for treating a bone includes a plate body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and being sized, shaped and contoured to be positioned along a desired surface of a bone. The plate also includes a slotted opening extending through the plate body and defined by a first portion sized and shaped to permit a head portion of a bone fixation element fixed to the bone to be passed therethrough and a second elongated portion extending along the longitudinal axis from the first portion in communication with the first portion, the second portion sized to prevent the head portion of the bone fixation element from being passed therethrough so that, when the head portion of the bone fixation element is received through the first portion, the plate is slidable relative thereto such that the second portion engages the head portion of the bone fixation element.