Specialized Clavicle Fixation Systems for Extreme Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857229_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Clavicle Fixation Systems for Extreme Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857229_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857229_0009_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. 11,857,229.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present disclosure relates to specialized clavicle fixation systems designed for high-altitude rescue operations, disaster relief situations, high-security applications, extreme cold weather conditions, and remote, off-grid locations. These systems provide surgeons with tailored solutions to address unique challenges in these environments, ensuring effective treatment of clavicle fractures.

Background and Problem Solved

While traditional clavicle fixation systems are effective in standard medical settings, they often fall short in extreme environments where access to medical resources is limited, and environmental conditions pose additional challenges. The original patent's clavicle fixation system, although effective, does not account for these specialized scenarios. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing customized solutions for specific niche markets.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The specialized clavicle fixation systems comprise an intramedullary clavicle nail with an elongated body and a leading end having a pointed shape with flats on each side of a rounded tip. The nail is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, includes a securement mechanism for high-security applications, is coated with an antimicrobial material for disaster relief situations, and is made of a thermally-resistant material for extreme cold weather conditions. Additionally, a portable, battery-powered surgical device with a GPS tracker is provided for use in remote, off-grid locations.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features that differentiate the specialized clavicle fixation systems from the original patent. These features include the nail's ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, the securement mechanism, the antimicrobial coating, and the thermally-resistant material. These innovations provide a non-obvious solution to the challenges posed by extreme environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the specialized clavicle fixation systems could include adjustable nail lengths, interchangeable tips for different environmental conditions, and integrated sensors for real-time monitoring. Variations could also include customized systems for specific extreme sports or military applications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The specialized clavicle fixation systems have significant commercial potential in niche markets such as search and rescue operations, disaster relief organizations, high-security facilities, and extreme sports industries. The systems could be marketed to surgeons and medical professionals working in these environments, providing a tailored solution to address their unique challenges.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/8061
A A61 A61B17/8004
A A61 A61B17/8014
A A61 A61B17/8057

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically clavicle fixation systems, involving medical device design, surgical instrumentation, and biomechanical engineering with expertise in trauma plate and nail configurations

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, knowledge of surgical implant materials, manufacturing techniques, and experience in adapting medical devices for specialized environmental conditions

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the specialized clavicle fixation system represents predictable variations of the source patent's fundamental nail design by applying known material science and environmental adaptation techniques. The core structural elements of the intramedullary nail remain substantially unchanged, with modifications representing standard engineering design choices for extending device functionality. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of existing medical device design principles applied to specific use contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Intramedullary clavicle nail with elongated body and pointed leading end
PTD Variation
Adding thermally-resistant material coating for extreme temperature performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for environmental durability is a routine engineering design choice with predictable outcomes in medical device development
Source Patent Element
Surgical fixation system with specific geometric configurations
PTD Variation
Incorporating antimicrobial coating for disaster relief applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying known antimicrobial surface treatments to surgical implants is a standard technique for reducing infection risk in challenging medical environments
Source Patent Element
Surgical nail with specific geometric tip configuration
PTD Variation
Adding GPS tracking and battery-powered insertion mechanism for remote location use
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating tracking and power technologies into surgical instruments represents a predictable technological enhancement using known electronic miniaturization techniques
Source Patent Element
Clavicle fixation system with modular design
PTD Variation
Creating specialized versions for high-altitude, high-security, and extreme environment applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical devices for specific use cases by modifying material properties and adding contextual features is a standard engineering approach with foreseeable results
Source Patent Element
Surgical nail with pointed leading end
PTD Variation
Developing interchangeable tips for different environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design with replaceable components is a common engineering strategy for increasing device versatility and applicability across different use scenarios
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857229, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to represent obvious extensions of the prior art, wherein the fundamental structural and functional characteristics of the clavicle fixation system remain substantially unchanged while environmental and contextual adaptations represent predictable engineering modifications within the ordinary skill of those practiced in orthopedic surgical device design.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,229
TitleClavicle fixation system
Assignee(s)Globus Medical, Inc.