Y-Frame External Bone Fixator for Foot Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external bone fixation systems, such as the Ilizarov frame, are cumbersome and difficult to use, particularly in foot surgery, where smaller, more manageable systems are needed for effective bone stabilization and fixation.
Innovation Solution
A Y-frame apparatus with adjustable arms and mounting hardware that allows for translational and rotational adjustments, incorporating radiolucent materials and radiopaque markers, along with pin-holding assemblies and clamping bolts for precise bone fixation, enabling improved usability and patient outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large and bulky Ilizarov-type ring fixator is used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to use, particularly in foot surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator is divided into multiple modular components including Y-frames of different sizes, arms with adjustable slots, and interchangeable mounting hardware. This segmentation allows surgeons to assemble only the necessary components for each specific surgical case, reducing overall system bulk while maintaining stabilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y-frame design incorporates adjustable arms with slots that allow dynamic repositioning and reconfiguration during surgery. The mounting hardware can be moved along the slots to accommodate different bone sizes and surgical requirements, providing adaptability without requiring a complete system change.
2Ease of operation
If a simple external fixation system is created, then ease of use and teaching is improved, but optimal results for foot surgery are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular components that simplify assembly and teaching while maintaining clinical effectiveness. The Y-frame with standardized slots and interchangeable mounting hardware allows for systematic learning curves without compromising fixation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y-frame design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, allows for adjustable pin placement through slot positioning, accommodates different bone sizes through varying frame dimensions, and enables various surgical procedures including fracture fixation and deformity correction with the same basic platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mounting hardware is made adjustable along slots, then adaptability to different bone sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hardware incorporates adjustable elements that can be repositioned along the arm slots to accommodate different bone sizes and surgical requirements. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility without requiring multiple complete hardware sets, as the same basic hardware can be reconfigured for different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the invention, a fixator for fixating bone fractures includes a Y-frame having superior, anterior and posterior arms. The arms may be slotted and may accept mounting hardware for supporting fixation pins or transfixion pins. Various components of mounting hardware may be able to be adjusted either in discrete steps or in continuous manner, for various degrees of either translation or rotation. The Y-frame may be rigid, or may have joints that allow either angulation or arm-twisting adjustment. Arms may be provided joinable interchangeably to a hub. A kit of such parts may be provided.