Modular, Adaptive, and Intelligent Femoral Nail System for Enhanced Fracture Fixation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation femoral nail system that integrates modular design, real-time fracture analysis, AI-driven analytics, and robotic-assisted surgery to provide personalized, optimized, and minimally invasive fracture fixation solutions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a set screw assembly for intramedullary intertrochanteric devices, but it had limitations in terms of adaptability, precision, and patient-specific care. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular, adaptive, and intelligent femoral nail system that can accommodate various fracture patterns, anatomical variations, and real-time fracture analysis.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The modular femoral nail system consists of interchangeable components, each designed to accommodate specific fracture patterns. A real-time fracture analysis module utilizes machine learning algorithms to select the optimal component configuration based on patient-specific fracture characteristics. The system integrates sensors and AI-driven analytics to monitor fracture healing in real-time and provide personalized treatment recommendations to clinicians. Additionally, a robotic-assisted fracture fixation system enables minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and accuracy.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in femoral nail technology by incorporating modular design, real-time fracture analysis, AI-driven analytics, and robotic-assisted surgery. These advancements provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling personalized, optimized, and minimally invasive fracture fixation solutions.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in modular component design, real-time fracture analysis algorithms, and robotic-assisted surgery protocols. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other long bone fractures, such as tibial or humeral fractures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular, adaptive, and intelligent femoral nail system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the areas of trauma, orthopedic reconstruction, and sports medicine. The system's ability to provide personalized, optimized, and minimally invasive fracture fixation solutions could revolutionize the treatment of long bone fractures, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/744 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8897 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically intramedullary nail systems for fracture fixation, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, and surgical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device development, familiar with modular surgical implant technologies and computational design techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable technological extensions of the source patent's fundamental intramedullary nail design. The modular components, AI-driven analytics, and robotic assistance are logical progressions of existing fracture fixation technologies. These variations represent incremental improvements using known techniques in medical device engineering and computational design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,228 |
|---|---|
| Title | Set screw for femoral nail |
| Assignee(s) | Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC |