Acetabular Component Installation Using Controlled Vibratory Impacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total hip replacement procedures face challenges with the precise placement and removal of acetabular components due to the use of crude tools that provide imprecise and unpredictable positioning, leading to increased risks of complications, especially for less experienced surgeons, and result in damage to the bone during revision surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing pneumatic and electric motor implementations to create a gun-like device that vibrates and applies controlled extraction forces for precise insertion and removal of acetabular components, allowing for accurate positioning and orientation without the need for impact forces, thereby reducing the risk of bone damage and improving surgical outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hammer/mallet impacting tools are used to install acetabular component, then the component can be physically struck into place, but the location and orientation become unpredictable and may differ from intended optimum position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hammer/mallet impacting system with a controlled impactor device that delivers precise, repeatable impact forces. The device incorporates a guide mechanism and controlled release system that substitutes the unpredictable manual swinging motion with a controlled mechanical delivery system, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the impacting process by controlling the force, angle, and sequence of impacts. The device allows adjustment of impact parameters and delivers them in a controlled sequence, transforming the uncontrolled single-parameter (force) impact into a multi-parameter controlled process that achieves precise positioning.
2Measurement precision
If automated navigation tools are used to determine correct orientation, then positioning accuracy improves, but uncontrolled impacting forces still cause deviation from intended location and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controlled impactor device monitors and adjusts impact forces based on real-time positioning data. The system uses navigation tool feedback to modify subsequent impact parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that compensates for deviations and maintains alignment with the intended optimum position throughout the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the impacting parameters to change in real-time based on positioning feedback. The device can adjust impact force, angle, and sequence dynamically during installation, transforming the static predetermined navigation plan into a dynamically adaptable process that compensates for variations in bone density and component resistance.
3Strength
If large impacting forces are applied by mallet striking rod, then the prosthesis can be installed, but fine tuning becomes difficult and risk of fracturing acetabulum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the impacting process into multiple controlled stages with progressively decreasing impact forces. The device delivers initial high-force impacts to establish positioning, then transitions to lower-force fine-tuning impacts, and finally to minimal-force verification impacts. This segmentation allows strong installation capability while eliminating the need for large continuous forces that cause bone fracturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic impacting sequences with varying force levels rather than continuous large forces. The device delivers impacts in controlled cycles with pause intervals, allowing bone and cement to set between impacts. This periodic action with diminishing force amplitude achieves secure installation while reducing peak stress on the acetabulum and eliminating fracturing risk.
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
The solution enables any surgeon to achieve outcomes comparable to those of an experienced surgeon by providing precise control over the placement and removal of acetabular components, reducing the risk of complications and bone damage, and facilitating safer and more efficient revision surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The applied series of pulses are configured to impart a vibratory motion to the secured prosthesis enabling an installation of the secured prosthesis into the portion of bone
Implementation Method 2
said pulse transfer assembly communicating an installation series of pulses, responsive to said original series of pulses, to said secured prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a revision procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the revision procedure.