Adjustable Reaming Device with Discrete Stop Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical hip replacement procedures face challenges in accommodating implantable femoral stems of discrete sizes, requiring precise reaming to match patient anatomy, where existing reaming devices lack flexibility to adjust for varying stem lengths.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable reaming device with a proximal reamer and a positionable element that can be locked at multiple discrete longitudinal locations, allowing for precise longitudinal offset between proximal and distal reamers to accommodate different stem lengths, featuring a stop element or driver that limits distal motion while enabling adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed-length spacers are used to offset proximal and distal reamers, then the longitudinal offset is precise for specific stem lengths, but the device lacks flexibility to accommodate varying stem lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The positionable element is made adjustable along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to be positioned at multiple discrete locations corresponding to different stem lengths. This dynamic positioning capability enables the reaming device to adapt to varying stem lengths while maintaining precise longitudinal offset through the stop mechanism at each discrete position.
Solution Approach 2:
The positionable element serves multiple functions: it acts as a spacer to maintain longitudinal offset, a positioning mechanism to set discrete locations, and an adjustable component to accommodate different stem lengths. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both precision and versatility through a single integrated mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed spacers are provided for different stem lengths, then adaptability to varying stem lengths is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positionable element is divided into discrete longitudinal positions along the proximal reamer, with each position corresponding to a specific stem length. This segmentation allows the single component to provide multiple fixed spacing options without requiring multiple separate spacer components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positionable element can be adjusted to different discrete locations along the proximal reamer, replacing the need for multiple fixed spacers. This dynamic adjustment capability consolidates multiple spacing functions into a single movable component, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a positionable element with multiple discrete positions is used, then flexibility for different stem lengths is improved, but the mechanism for locking and positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positionable element incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages at each discrete longitudinal position. This self-service feature allows the element to maintain its positioned state without requiring additional locking components or complex mechanisms, thereby providing flexibility for different stem lengths while minimizing the complexity of the positioning system.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable reaming device can include a proximal reamer and a positionable element. The positionable element removably attaches to the proximal reamer at one of a plurality of discrete longitudinal locations along the proximal reamer. A distal end of the positionable element forms a stop, which can contact a proximal end of a distal reamer and thereby limit distal motion of the proximal reamer with respect to the distal reamer. When the distal reamer is in contact with the positionable element, the distal reamer and proximal reamer are longitudinally offset by a one of a plurality of specified offsets. In some examples, the specified offsets correspond to a plurality of specified, discrete lengths for which implantable femoral stems are available.