Acetabular Cup With Magnetic Offset Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hip surgery is challenging when patients have severe bone loss, as it is difficult for surgeons to securely insert and stabilize the acetabular cup in the acetabulum due to limited bone availability.
Innovation Solution
The use of an acetabular cup with K wire holes, variable angle locking screws, and an offset insertion handle with magnetic engagement, which provides provisional stabilization and secure fixation through a combination of wire and screw placement, and magnetic connection to reduce torque forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insertion methods are used for acetabular cup, then the procedure is simpler, but stabilization is insufficient in severe bone loss cases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into multiple independent components: K-wires for initial provisional stabilization, variable angle locking screws for secure fixation, and an offset insertion handle for controlled delivery. Each component serves a specific function in the staged fixation process, allowing the surgeon to build stability progressively rather than relying on a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
K-wires are inserted first to provide preliminary provisional stabilization of the acetabular cup before the final screw fixation is completed. This preliminary action creates a stable foundation that allows subsequent screws to be placed accurately and ensures the cup remains positioned correctly throughout the fixation process.
2Strength
If standard insertion handle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but torque forces during screw insertion become uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion handle is designed with an offset configuration where the longitudinal axis of the handle does not align with the longitudinal axis of the acetabular cup. This asymmetric offset design creates a mechanical advantage that naturally limits and controls the torque forces transmitted to the cup during screw insertion, preventing excessive loading while maintaining surgical control.
3Reliability
If multiple fixation methods are combined, then fixation reliability improves, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable angle locking screws provide dynamic adaptability by allowing adjustment of screw trajectory and angle to optimize bone purchase in cases of severe bone loss. This dynamic capability enables secure fixation in compromised bone stock without requiring additional fixation components or extended surgical time, as the single screw type can adapt to various anatomical conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables more effective and stable placement of the acetabular cup in cases of severe bone loss, allowing for better osseous integration and screw-bone purchase, even in scenarios with significant bony defects, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an offset insertion handle with magnetic engagement, which provides provisional stabilization and secure fixation through a combination of wire and screw placement, and magnetic connection to reduce torque forces
Data Source
AI summary
A hip joint apparatus is described. The apparatus has an acetabular cup designed for both seated engagement within a patient's acetabulum, and articulatory reception of a matingly shaped femoral component, wherein the dome of the acetabular cup has holes configured for accepting wires and variable angle locking screws to facilitate attachment of the acetabular cup to the acetabulum, and wherein the rim of the acetabular cup has holes configured for accepting wires to provide provisional stability to the acetabular cup. The apparatus also has an insertion handle with a graspable portion and a mating portion, the mating portion attached to the graspable portion and configured for engaging with the rim of the acetabular cup, thereby coupling the insertion handle to the acetabular cup.