Advanced Finger Fracture Treatment System

Publication ID: 24-11857447_0005_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Finger Fracture Treatment System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857447_0005_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857447_0005_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. 11,857,447.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation finger fracture treatment system integrating wearable, shape-memory alloy (SMA) splints, sensors, and machine learning algorithms for personalized, real-time monitoring and treatment.

Background and Problem Solved

Current finger fracture treatment methods are limited by inadequate immobilization, restricted hand mobility, and lack of real-time monitoring. The original patent addressed these issues with a multi-splint device, but the new inventive concept takes a significant leap forward by incorporating advanced materials, sensors, and AI-driven feedback loops to provide more effective, patient-centric care.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The advanced finger fracture treatment system consists of a wearable SMA splint that conforms to a patient's finger anatomy, providing optimal immobilization and support. Integrated sensors track finger movement, temperature, and other vital signs, transmitting data to a remote monitoring platform. A machine learning algorithm analyzes this data to detect potential complications and alert healthcare providers. The system also includes interchangeable splint modules for different finger types and fracture patterns, ensuring a customized treatment plan for each patient. Additive manufacturing techniques enable rapid fabrication of customized splints, and a software platform facilitates treatment plan customization and patient progress tracking.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its integration of SMA splints, sensors, and machine learning algorithms, which enables real-time monitoring, personalized treatment, and optimized healing outcomes. The inventive step is the development of a wearable, adaptive splint system that can detect and respond to changes in the patient's condition, going beyond the original patent's static splint design.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include the use of other advanced materials, such as graphene or nanomaterials, or the integration of additional sensors, such as electromyography or pressure sensors. Variations could also involve the development of specialized splint modules for specific finger fractures or patient populations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The advanced finger fracture treatment system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and healthcare industries, particularly in the areas of sports medicine, emergency care, and rehabilitation. The system's ability to provide personalized, real-time care could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased market share for companies adopting this technology.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F5/0118

Field of Art

Medical Device Design and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Technologies, specifically focusing on hand and finger fracture treatment devices with emphasis on biomechanical support and patient-specific immobilization strategies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with expertise in materials science, biomechanical engineering, and medical device fabrication techniques, possessing knowledge of advanced manufacturing, sensor integration, and adaptive medical technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents a predictable extension of the source patent's core fracture treatment concept by integrating known technologies like shape-memory alloys, sensors, and machine learning into the fundamental splint design. The PTD's variations represent logical technological progressions that combine existing medical device design principles with emerging digital health monitoring strategies. The core immobilization and multi-point contact principles from the source patent provide a clear foundation for these advanced technological implementations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Splint configured to contact a finger at three spaced-apart locations
PTD Variation
Shape-memory alloy splint that conforms to patient's finger anatomy with integrated sensors
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of advanced materials technology to improve existing splint design, representing a known technique for enhancing medical device functionality
Source Patent Element
Removable foam pads for patient comfort and positioning
PTD Variation
3D-printed customized splint modules with porous, lattice-structured materials promoting bone growth
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious evolution of padding/support concepts using emerging additive manufacturing techniques with well-understood biomaterial design principles
Source Patent Element
Lateral connection between finger splints
PTD Variation
Universal base module for connecting interchangeable splint modules with software-driven customization
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of modular design concept using digital technology for enhanced patient-specific treatment planning
Source Patent Element
Adjustable strap for holding finger at desired flexion
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithm for dynamically adjusting splint rigidity based on healing progress
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of adaptive control technologies to medical device functionality, representing an obvious improvement in treatment monitoring
Source Patent Element
Static finger immobilization device
PTD Variation
Remote monitoring platform with sensor-based complication detection and healthcare provider alerts
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious integration of digital health monitoring technologies with existing medical immobilization devices using standard telecommunications and data analysis techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this published technical disclosure would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, when considering the teachings of US Patent 11857447 in combination with known medical device design principles and emerging digital health technologies. The disclosed system represents a predictable combination of prior art elements that would have been within the capabilities of an ordinarily skilled practitioner to implement without requiring undue experimentation.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,447
TitleBrace for reducing and stabilizing fracture in human hand