Bendable Attachment Element for Acetabular Cup Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-body acetabular cups pose challenges in attachment and manipulation during joint replacement surgeries due to limited space for attachment features on the highly polished bearing surface, making temporary attachment difficult without risking damage.
Innovation Solution
A manipulative instrument with a bendable attachment element and actuator that selectively engages and disengages from the implant, allowing secure grip and impaction without direct contact to the bearing surface, utilizing a stem and impaction member to center and lock the attachment element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If attachment features are added to single-body acetabular cups, then the implant can be engaged with gripping and impaction tools, but the bearing surface integrity is compromised due to surface discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element is divided into separate segments (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can independently engage with the implant's attachment features. This segmentation allows the attachment mechanism to be distributed across multiple points on the implant rim, avoiding concentration of stress or interference on the bearing surface while still providing secure engagement with the tool.
2Ease of operation
If direct contact tools are used to manipulate the implant after positioning, then the implant can be adjusted, but the bearing surface is at risk of accidental contact and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element serves as an intermediary between the impaction tool and the implant. It provides a dedicated engagement interface that extends beyond the implant body, allowing the tool to manipulate the implant without requiring direct contact with the bearing surface. The attachment element absorbs the mechanical interaction, protecting the critical bearing surface from damage during positioning and adjustment operations.
3Strength
If the attachment element is made robust for secure engagement, then the tool can grip the implant firmly, but the bearing surface may be damaged due to increased contact force
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element is designed with localized engagement features (protrusions, recesses, interlocking surfaces) that concentrate the engagement strength at specific points away from the bearing surface. The arms are configured to engage with corresponding features on the implant rim, creating strong mechanical interlocking while maintaining a clear separation between the high-force attachment interface and the delicate bearing surface that requires protection from contact forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument (10) for manipulating a prosthetic implant (2) the instrument comprising: an attachment element (20), operable to engage the Implant; an actuation rod (SO), a distal end (50a) of which is connected to the attachment element; and a stem (14), the actuation rod being at least partially moveably received within the stem, wherein the attachment element is bendable between a first position in which the attachment element does not engage the implant and a second position in which the attachment element engages the Implant, the actuation rod being configured so as to selectively bend the attachment element between the first and second positions upon movement of the actuation rod.