Angled Bone Screw Extraction Device with V-Groove Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and methods for extracting surgical screws from bones are inefficient, often resulting in hardware failure and infection, necessitating follow-up surgeries for removal of loose or infected hardware.
Innovation Solution
A device with a bifurcated protrusion forming a V-shaped groove and a handle portion angled relative to the screw engaging portion, allowing for manual or impact-driven extraction of screws from bones, including those with lost purchase, by dislodging surrounding tissue and leveraging the screw out without damaging it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional extraction devices are used, then screw removal can be achieved, but the screws are often damaged and surrounding tissue is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle portion for operator control, a long arm for leverage, and a bifurcated tip with V-shaped grooves for screw engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while minimizing overall harm to surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped grooves act as intermediaries between the extraction force and the screw. Instead of directly applying force that would damage the screw or surrounding tissue, the grooves provide a precise engagement interface that transmits extraction force efficiently while protecting both the screw integrity and surrounding bone tissue.
2Productivity
If force is applied to extract screws with lost purchase, then extraction can be achieved, but the extraction force is insufficient without proper leverage
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a long arm that can be positioned at various angles relative to the handle, creating a dynamic leverage system. The operator can adjust the arm's position and apply force in different directions to optimize extraction force based on the specific screw orientation and bone anatomy, thereby achieving efficient extraction without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction force is applied through a long arm that extends in a dimension perpendicular to the screw axis, creating a moment arm that amplifies the extraction force. This dimensional transformation converts linear operator input force into enhanced rotational extraction force, effectively addressing screws with lost purchase.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to engage screws with lost purchase is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bifurcated tip features V-shaped grooves with specific geometric properties (sharp edges, precise angles) that are locally optimized for screw engagement. This localized complexity at the tip, combined with a simpler handle and arm structure, achieves effective screw engagement while maintaining ease of overall device manufacture through focused precision rather than universal complexity.
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
Enables nondestructive removal of surgical screws from bones, providing better access and facilitating the extraction of screws that are no longer threadably engaged, reducing the need for additional surgeries and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
the screw engaging portion comprises a bifurcated protrusion that comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts defining a generally V-shaped groove
Implementation Method 2
applying a force to the handle portion of the device such that the direction of the force is translated by the device into a direction substantially opposite a direction the screw is oriented into the bone
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the first part or the second part is not coextensive of the plane formed by the screw engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for the nondestructive removal of screws or fasteners, the device includes an elongated body having a first end including a handle portion and a second end including a screw engaging portion, the first end is offset at an angle to the second end, the screw engaging portion is a bifurcated protrusion that includes a first part and a second part wherein the first and second parts define a generally V-shaped groove; the protrusion has an exterior surface that is biocompatible and retains a cutting edge, the instrument is configured for impaction and bending resistance.