Axial Alignment Guide for Prosthesis Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthesis installation methods, particularly in hip replacement surgery, face challenges such as inconsistent acetabular cup placement due to unpredictable torques and non-standardized forces, leading to issues like hip instability, polyethylene wear, and the need for revision surgery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing axial alignment of force transference, such as an axially sliding hammer, and optional enhancements like pressure and sound sensors to ensure precise and controlled force application during prosthesis installation, along with ultrasonic enhancements for improved cutting and drilling tools, to facilitate accurate and efficient prosthesis placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mallet is used to impact the prosthesis into place, then the prosthesis can be installed, but unpredictable torques and moment arms cause mal-alignment and inconsistent placement
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary between the mallet and prosthesis. The guide member receives impact forces from the mallet and transfers them axially to the prosthesis, eliminating unpredictable torques and moment arms that cause mal-alignment. This mediator ensures consistent axial loading and proper prosthesis placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mallet impact system is replaced with a controlled mechanical delivery system consisting of a guide member and controlled impactor. This substitution provides standardized force application and axial alignment, replacing the unreliable manual technique with a controlled mechanical process.
2Strength
If large forces are applied during prosthesis insertion, then the prosthesis can be secured in place, but the forces are non-standardized and can cause damage or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The impact parameters are changed from uncontrolled manual forces to standardized controlled forces. The guide member and controlled impactor system delivers impact forces within a standardized range, ensuring adequate prosthesis fixation while preventing damage from excessive or misaligned forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the guide member which monitors and controls the force transmission to the prosthesis. This feedback mechanism ensures that forces remain within standardized limits while achieving proper fixation, preventing both insufficient seating and excessive force application.
3Ease of operation
If manual mallet technique is used, then the surgeon has flexibility in operation, but the surgeon cannot consistently hit the center point of the impaction plate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a mediator that ensures accurate centering of impact forces on the impaction plate. It physically guides the impactor to the correct location, eliminating the surgeon's inability to consistently hit the center point while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual aim-and-hit technique is replaced with a guided mechanical system. The guide member and controlled impactor provide precise positioning and centering of impact forces, substituting the unreliable manual technique with a mechanically guided precision system.
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 more precise and controlled prosthesis placement, reducing the risk of mal-alignment and instability, while minimizing the forces required for insertion, thus potentially lowering the need for revision surgeries and improving the longevity of the prosthetic joint.
Implementation Method 1
a motive system, coupled to the cutting implement, configured to operate the cutting implement in the primary mode of freedom of motion and in a secondary mode of primary mode of freedom different from the primary mode of freedom wherein the secondary mode of freedom includes an ultrasonic vibratory motion
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis which may include assembly of a modular prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation, the tools including a secondary motion that preferably includes an ultrasonic vibration.