Angled-Pin Compressor-Distractor for Reproducible Bone Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures for correcting bone deformities such as hallux valgus lack efficient and reproducible instruments for accurately realigning bones, particularly in the foot, leading to challenges in bunion correction.
Innovation Solution
A compressor-distractor device with angled pin-receiving holes and an actuator mechanism is used to move bone portions relative to each other, allowing for precise realignment and fixation of misaligned bones by applying compressive or distractive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional surgical instruments are used for bone realignment, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the realignment process is inefficient and lacks reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional components: engagement arms for securing pins, a threaded rod for controlled movement, and an actuator mechanism for distraction/compression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall realignment productivity while maintaining reproducibility through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables precise control of bone realignment by changing parameters such as the distance between engagement arms (via threaded rod rotation), the angle of pin insertion, and the magnitude of distracting/compressing force. These controllable parameters ensure both efficient realignment and reproducible results across different surgical procedures.
2Ease of operation
If bones are realigned without creating a separation gap, then the procedure is simpler, but the inter-bone space cannot be properly cleaned and prepared
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static alignment tool to a dynamic system that can create and maintain a controlled separation gap between bones. The actuator mechanism dynamically adjusts the distance between engagement arms, allowing surgeons to create space for thorough cleaning and preparation of inter-bone surfaces while maintaining procedural control and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor-distractor device acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone structures. It mediates the separation process by providing controlled distraction to create the necessary gap for inter-bone space preparation, then mediates the subsequent compression to achieve precise realignment, thereby simplifying the overall procedure while ensuring proper preparation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel pins are used to secure the bone preparation guide, then the guide can be removed and replaced with the compressor-distractor, but angled pins provide additional stability
Solution Approach 1:
The pin configuration is segmented into two functional groups: parallel pins for primary stabilization and guide attachment, and angled pins for enhanced stability. This segmentation allows the parallel pins to be removed for instrument interchangeability while the angled pins remain to maintain bone guide stability throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone preparation guide is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a stabilization structure (through multiple pin configurations) and as a removable template for subsequent instrument placement. The guide can be attached with parallel pins for initial stability, then removed and replaced with the compressor-distractor, while angled pins provide continuous stability support.
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 compressor-distractor enables efficient and reproducible bone realignment by creating a separation gap for cleaning and preparing the inter-bone space, facilitating accurate realignment and fixation of bones, particularly in the foot.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second engagement arms of the compressor-distractor may be movably connected to each other via a threaded rod. Rotation of an actuator knob attached to the threaded rod can cause the first and second engagement arms to move relative to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor-distractor device may be used during a surgical procedure, such as a surgical procedure to correct a bunion deformity. In some examples, the compressor-distractor includes first and second engagement arms having first and second pin-receiving holes, respectively. The first and second pin-receiving holes may be angled relative to each other. The compressor-distractor may also include an actuator operatively coupled to the first and second engagement arms. In some example uses, a clinician may pin a first surgical device to a patient's bones use a pair of parallel pins. After removing the surgical device over the parallel pins, the clinician may thread the parallel pins through the angled first and second pin-receiving holes of the compressor-distractor, causing the bones to move relative to each other. Thereafter, the clinician may actuate the actuator on the compressor-distractor to move the bones towards and/or away from each other.