Enhanced Differential Compression Bone Screw System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced bone screw system that provides improved compression and stability for bone fractures, featuring adjustable torque, self-tapping threads, and a compression indicator.
Background and Problem Solved
The original differential compression bone screw patent has limitations in terms of ease of insertion, compression control, and stability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing enhancements that improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the bone screw system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced differential compression bone screw system consists of a bone screw with a head portion and a distally extending shank featuring threads of varying pitch. The system includes a bone plate implant coupled to the bone screw, providing additional stability to the bone portions. The bone screw is designed with a self-tapping feature to facilitate easy insertion, reducing the required insertion force. A compression indicator is coupled to the bone screw, providing visual or tactile feedback of the level of compression achieved between the bone portions. The system allows for adjustable torque, enabling the surgeon to achieve a desired level of compression. The enhanced system improves compression and stability, reducing the risk of bone fracture complications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as adjustable torque, self-tapping threads, and a compression indicator, which are not present in the original patent. These enhancements provide a significant improvement over the existing technology, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and novel.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced differential compression bone screw system could include variations in the thread pitch, bone plate design, or compression indicator mechanisms. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different types of bone fractures or orthopedic procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced differential compression bone screw system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the treatment of bone fractures and spinal fusion procedures. The system's improved compression and stability features make it an attractive solution for surgeons and hospitals, offering a competitive advantage in the market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/863 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/809 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8605 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/80 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8635 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices, specifically bone fixation and compression systems, involving medical device design, biomechanical engineering, and surgical intervention techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with bone fixation technologies, surgical implant mechanics, and materials engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's core differential compression bone screw technology. The additional features like self-tapping threads, compression indicators, and adjustable torque represent incremental improvements using known orthopedic surgical design techniques. These modifications solve known challenges in bone screw design through straightforward engineering adaptations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,235 |
|---|---|
| Title | Differential compression bone screw |
| Assignee(s) | In2Bones USA, LLC |