Adaptive Femoral Nail System with Intelligent Set Screw Assembly

Publication ID: 24-11857228_0010_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Femoral Nail System with Intelligent Set Screw Assembly,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857228_0010_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857228_0010_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,228.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An advanced femoral nail system featuring a self-adjusting, machine learning-based set screw assembly that optimizes fixation, predicts bone changes, and promotes osseointegration, revolutionizing the treatment of long bone fractures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original set screw for femoral nail patent, while effective, has limitations in adapting to individual patient anatomy and bone density. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a paradigm shift in femoral nail technology, enabling personalized, dynamic, and intelligent fixation solutions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adaptive femoral nail system comprises a modular, self-adjusting set screw assembly that utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze patient-specific data, predict bone geometry and density changes, and dynamically adjust its configuration to ensure optimal fixation. The system features interchangeable set screw assemblies tailored to specific patient demographics, bone types, and fracture patterns, enabling personalized treatment. Additionally, the set screw assembly incorporates nanotechnology to promote osseointegration and accelerate bone healing, reducing the need for revision surgeries. A robotic-assisted surgical platform utilizes artificial intelligence and real-time imaging to optimize set screw placement, minimizing surgical trauma and ensuring precise fixation.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a groundbreaking combination of machine learning, nanotechnology, and robotic assistance, which represents a significant departure from the original patent's mechanical set screw assembly. The inventive concept's ability to adapt to individual patient anatomy, predict bone changes, and promote osseointegration constitutes a non-obvious and innovative solution.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the adaptive femoral nail system could include variations in set screw assembly design, such as using different machine learning algorithms or incorporating additional sensors to monitor bone health. The system could also be adapted for use in other orthopedic applications, such as spinal or cranial fixation.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive femoral nail system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, targeting hospitals, clinics, and surgeons specializing in long bone fracture treatment. The system's ability to provide personalized, dynamic, and intelligent fixation solutions could revolutionize the treatment of long bone fractures, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/744
A A61 A61B17/8897

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical implant design, specifically intramedullary nail and set screw systems for bone fracture fixation, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, biomaterials, and surgical device optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced knowledge of surgical implant mechanics, materials science, and experience in developing adaptive medical technologies with mechanical and computational components

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's mechanical set screw assembly provides a foundational design that can be naturally extended through known technological augmentations like machine learning, sensor integration, and personalized adaptive mechanisms. The core mechanical principles of the original set screw remain consistent, with the PTD representing predictable technological enhancements using standard engineering approaches to improve medical device functionality and patient outcomes.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Set screw assembly with movable flanges for adjusting fixation
PTD Variation
Machine learning-enabled set screw that dynamically adjusts based on patient-specific bone geometry
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of computational techniques to enhance existing mechanical adjustment mechanisms, representing a known design optimization strategy
Source Patent Element
Intramedullary nail with compartment for set screw insertion
PTD Variation
Robotic-assisted placement platform utilizing real-time imaging for precise set screw positioning
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing surgical placement techniques using emerging computational guidance technologies
Source Patent Element
Modular set screw assembly with interchangeable components
PTD Variation
Interchangeable set screw assemblies tailored to specific patient demographics and bone characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable personalization approach using known modular design principles to enhance medical device adaptability
Source Patent Element
Mechanical set screw with fixed geometric configuration
PTD Variation
Nanotechnology-enhanced set screw promoting osseointegration and accelerated bone healing
Obviousness Reasoning
Conventional materials science approach to improving implant performance through surface modification and bioactive technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857228's foundational set screw assembly design, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed adaptive, machine learning-enhanced femoral nail system variations obvious through standard engineering design choices and predictable technological augmentations, thereby establishing robust prior art against potential future patent claims in this technological domain.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,228
TitleSet screw for femoral nail
Assignee(s)Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC