Acetabular Cup Impactor with Removable Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic instruments fail to satisfactorily engage and implant reverse hip acetabular cups in the pelvis anatomy, lacking effective methods for secure positioning and fixation.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic instrument featuring an acetabular impactor with removable acetabular cup engagement, allowing screwless fixation or screw-assisted methods, utilizing drill guides for precise screw hole drilling and secure attachment to the pelvic bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art apparatus are used to implant acetabular cups, then standard hip prosthesis can be implanted, but reverse hip prosthesis cannot be engaged satisfactorily
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is specifically designed for reverse hip prosthesis implantation, inverting the standard approach by creating a specialized instrument rather than adapting existing ones. The acetabular impactor engages the cup from the opposite direction and uses a unique retention mechanism suited for reverse geometry, enabling reliable engagement where standard instruments fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for operator control, an acetabular impactor for engagement and positioning, and an acetabular cup retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the retention mechanism specifically designed to hold the cup securely during implantation.
2Ease of operation
If screwless fixation method is used, then implantation is simpler, but fixation security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism transitions from a locked state during impactor engagement to a released state for final positioning. The spring-loaded fingers dynamically adjust to hold the cup securely during insertion, then allow release when the cup is properly positioned, providing both simplicity and security without requiring screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The acetabular impactor serves as an intermediary tool that temporarily holds the cup during implantation. It provides the necessary fixation security during the critical insertion phase, then is removed once the cup is seated, offering screwless fixation with adequate security throughout the procedure.
3Strength
If screw-assisted fixation method is used, then fixation security is improved, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed to support multiple fixation methods through its universal retention mechanism. The same acetabular impactor and retention fingers can accommodate both screwless fixation by holding the cup directly, and screw-assisted fixation by providing guidance channels and support structures, allowing surgeons to choose based on patient needs without requiring different instruments.
4Manufacturing precision
If drill guides are incorporated, then screw hole precision is improved, but instrument complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill guide functionality is merged into the acetabular impactor structure itself. The retention fingers and impactor body incorporate guide channels and positioning features that directly guide drill bits during screw hole creation, eliminating the need for separate drill guide instruments while maintaining high precision for screw placement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthopedic instrument for installing a new reverse hip prosthesis, particularly the acetabular cup thereof, wherein the cup can be affixed to the pelvis with or without screws. The acetabular cup is releasably attached to the instrument and the instrument is used to position the cup in the pelvis. Optional screw guides are provided in the instrument in case the surgeon wishes to use screws to affix the cup to the pelvis.