Composite internal fixators
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device comprising:
- a. an internal fixator for spanning a fracture, the internal fixator having a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including a thermoplastic component and a fiber component and each layer of the plurality of layers having a selected fiber angle pattern, wherein the internal fixator defines a first aperture transverse to a longitudinal axis of the internal fixator, the first aperture having a central axis, and wherein the internal fixator includes one or more radio-opaque markers that extend substantially parallel to the central axis of the first aperture,b. the selected fiber angle patterns being arranged symmetrically from a first layer to a last layer, andc. the symmetrical arrangement of fiber angle patterns including at least two layers having generally opposing fiber angle patterns.
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Abstract
A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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a. an internal fixator for spanning a fracture, the internal fixator having a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including a thermoplastic component and a fiber component and each layer of the plurality of layers having a selected fiber angle pattern, wherein the internal fixator defines a first aperture transverse to a longitudinal axis of the internal fixator, the first aperture having a central axis, and wherein the internal fixator includes one or more radio-opaque markers that extend substantially parallel to the central axis of the first aperture, b. the selected fiber angle patterns being arranged symmetrically from a first layer to a last layer, and c. the symmetrical arrangement of fiber angle patterns including at least two layers having generally opposing fiber angle patterns. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A device comprising:
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a. an internal fixator for spanning a fracture, the internal fixator having a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including a thermoplastic component and a fiber component, and each layer of the plurality of layers having a selected fiber angle pattern, wherein the plurality of layers comprises an inner layer that defines a central cannulation, the internal fixator having a hollow cavity within the central cannulation, and the other layers of the plurality of layers are wrapped about the inner layer, wherein the internal fixator defines a first aperture transverse to a longitudinal axis of the internal fixator, the first aperture having a central axis, and wherein the internal fixator includes one or more radio-opaque markers that extend substantially parallel to the central axis of the first aperture, b. the selected fiber angle patterns being arranged symmetrically from a first layer to a last layer, and c. the symmetrical arrangement of fiber angle patterns including at least two layers having generally opposing fiber angle patterns. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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22. A device comprising:
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a. an internal fixator for spanning a fracture, the internal fixator having a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including a thermoplastic component and a fiber component, and each layer of the plurality of layers having a selected fiber angle pattern, b. the selected fiber angle patterns being arranged symmetrically from a first layer to a last layer, and c. the plurality of layers comprising a tape or tow wrapped around a central longitudinal axis of the internal fixator, wherein the internal fixator has one or more transverse apertures defined through the fixator, the one or more transverse apertures being formed by the tape or tow being routed around the one or more transverse apertures such that fibers within the tape or tow are continuous in regions adjacent the one or more transverse apertures. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification