CurvaFix Pubic Symphysis Connector

The problem

The pelvis is a curved ring of bone with nerves, blood vessels, and organs packed around it, so fractures there are hard to fix. Straight screws have to be short and thin to fit through curved bone, which means they can loosen or back out. Plates work, but they need open surgery. CurvaFix makes an implant that goes in flexible, follows the curve of the bone, and then locks rigid. That’s a big deal for older patients whose bones are soft from osteoporosis.

Our project focuses on the pubic symphysis, the joint where the left and right sides of the pelvis meet in front. Plates can break there and screws can work loose. Pelvic injuries usually involve more than one break, so keeping this joint stable matters a lot for healing.

What we’re building

The idea is to put a CurvaFix implant on each side of the joint and connect them with a third piece. We’re trying two versions at the same time. One is flexible and lets the joint move a little. The other is rigid and holds it still. Testing will tell us which one makes more sense.

What I’m doing

I’m working on both connector designs and building the prototypes. I’m also designing the test fixture, which means the CAD, drawings, and parts list, and helping write the protocol we’ll follow when we fatigue test everything in foam bone.

The plan

I’ll update this page as we build and test things.