Enhanced Clavicle Fixation System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present disclosure relates to an improved clavicle fixation system that addresses the limitations of existing trauma plates, fasteners, intramedullary nails, and systems. The new system features adjustable length intramedullary nails, modular plate segments, intelligent sensors, biodegradable plate materials, and novel nail-plate interfaces, providing enhanced stability, flexibility, and patient outcomes.
Background and Problem Solved
The original clavicle fixation system had limitations in terms of accommodating varying clavicle geometries, providing real-time feedback on bone healing, and minimizing nail migration. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing dynamic tip angle adjustment mechanisms, interchangeable plate segments, intelligent sensors, biodegradable plate materials, and self-locking nail-plate interfaces.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced clavicle fixation system comprises an adjustable length intramedullary nail featuring a dynamic tip angle adjustment mechanism to accommodate varying clavicle geometries. The system also includes a modular plate system with interchangeable plate segments of varying curvatures to accommodate different clavicle shapes and sizes. An intelligent sensor integrated into the intramedullary nail provides real-time feedback on bone healing and nail stability. The system features biodegradable plate materials that gradually resorb over time, reducing the need for subsequent plate removal surgeries. A novel nail-plate interface with a self-locking mechanism minimizes nail migration and improves overall fixation stability.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features that distinguish the enhanced clavicle fixation system from the original patent. These features include the dynamic tip angle adjustment mechanism, interchangeable plate segments, intelligent sensors, biodegradable plate materials, and self-locking nail-plate interfaces. These innovations provide significant improvements in terms of stability, flexibility, and patient outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced clavicle fixation system could include different materials, shapes, and sizes of the intramedullary nail and plate segments. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other types of fractures or injuries, such as femur or tibia fractures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced clavicle fixation system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and medical device industries. The system could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and surgeons, and could be used to treat a wide range of clavicle fractures and injuries.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8061 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8004 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8014 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8057 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically clavicle fracture fixation systems, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, surgical techniques, and medical device design with expertise in materials science and orthopedic trauma interventions
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 bone fixation technologies, material properties, and surgical implant design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core clavicle fixation technology, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known medical device engineering approaches to incrementally improve fracture treatment systems. The modifications represent logical combinations of known techniques within the orthopedic surgical device domain, addressing recognized limitations in existing clavicle fracture management technologies. These variations would be considered routine design iterations by a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance surgical outcomes and patient comfort.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,229 |
|---|---|
| Title | Clavicle fixation system |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |