Wedge-Shaped Bone Fracture Fixation Device for Metaphyseal Void Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fracture fixation methods, particularly for osteoporotic fractures, fail to effectively maintain reduction and stability due to the loss of cancellous bone and metaphyseal voids, leading to deformity and complications in elderly patients with co-morbidities, as traditional plating systems and void fillers like PMMA cement are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
Development of reduced bone fracture fixation devices with a wedge-shaped configuration that can be positioned within the fracture site to exert forces and maintain anatomical alignment, using materials like stainless steel, titanium, or specialized polymers, and autograft/allograft bone to fill metaphyseal voids and resist compression and torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional plating systems are used to fixate fractures, then cortical integrity is restored, but metaphyseal bone voids are not addressed and reduction is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines cortical fixation (plating) with metaphyseal void filling in a single integrated system. The plate includes integrated void fillers or is used conjunction with void fillers that specifically address the metaphyseal defects, thereby simultaneously restoring cortical integrity and maintaining reduction by addressing both the cortical disruption and the metaphyseal voids that cause loss of reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is segmented into distinct functional components: the plate for cortical fixation and separate void fillers for metaphyseal defect management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the plate provides cortical stability while the void fillers (which may be inflatable, expandable, or packable elements) specifically address metaphyseal voids to maintain reduction.
2Strength
If rigid volar plates are used for fixation, then cortical integrity is restored, but soft tissue coverage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by using a less invasive approach for cortical fixation while concentrating the structural support function in the metaphyseal void fillers. The plate can be smaller or more minimally invasive since the void fillers provide additional structural support, thereby reducing soft tissue disruption while maintaining overall fixation strength.
3Manufacturing precision
If aggressive open fracture treatment is performed to obtain reduction, then anatomical alignment is achieved, but patient risk is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs preliminary action by using the metaphyseal void fillers to maintain reduction and prevent loss of alignment during the healing process. This preliminary structural support reduces the need for aggressive open reduction procedures, as the void fillers are already in place to maintain anatomical alignment and prevent deformity during bone healing.
4Quantity of substance
If void fillers like PMMA cement are used to fill metaphyseal voids, then void filling is achieved, but biologic activity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the void filler materials by replacing inert PMMA cement with biologically active alternatives such as autograft, allograft, or synthetic bone graft substitutes. These materials provide both void filling capability and biologic activity to promote bone healing and integration, thereby simultaneously achieving volume replacement and biological functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body has a wedge shape configuration sufficient to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture and maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.