Bone-Anchored Soft Tissue Retractor for Fracture Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical retractors for distal radius fractures require manual holding and are not suitable for stable joint stabilization during surgical repair, posing challenges due to the proximity of adjacent structures like muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue retraction system with bone-engaging concavities and pins for anchoring, allowing axial compression and rotational translation, and a backing plate for stabilization, along with elastic ties for maintaining retraction, enabling secure fixation to bones like ulna, humerus, and carpals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual retractors are used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot provide stable joint stabilization during surgical repair
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple functional components: a retractor body for tissue retraction, a backing plate for bone support, multiple guides for pin insertion, and elastic ties for maintaining position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing stable joint stabilization without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: tissue retraction, bone stabilization, pin guidance, and position maintenance. The backing plate serves both as a support structure and as an anchor for the retractor, while the guides simultaneously direct pins and provide structural integrity. This multi-functionality achieves stable stabilization without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual retractors are used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot maintain stable bone reduction and fracture alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stabilization by anchoring the retractor to the bone using pins inserted through the guides before the fracture reduction is complete. This preliminary fixation maintains bone alignment throughout the surgical procedure, allowing the surgeon to work without constant concern for displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides act as intermediaries between the retractor body and the bone, providing a precise pathway for pin insertion. These guides ensure that the pins are placed at the correct angles and locations, creating reliable anchors that maintain bone reduction stability while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional retractors are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it does not provide sufficient protection for adjacent structures
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system applies local quality by providing specialized protection at critical locations. The backing plate contacts and protects the bone surface, while the retractor body specifically protects soft tissues and nerves in the surgical field. The elastic ties provide localized tension control to maintain optimal retraction without excessive force on any single structure.
4Productivity
If manual holding is required, then the device complexity is low, but it reduces surgical efficiency and increases procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is designed to be self-retaining through the elastic ties that automatically maintain tension and position without requiring continuous manual adjustment. The pins self-secure the retractor to the bone, and the guides self-align during insertion. This self-service capability eliminates the need for constant manual holding, significantly improving surgical efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A soft tissue retraction system may include a support body. A soft tissue retraction system may include a bone engaging concavity on a first side of the support body. A soft tissue retraction system may include a soft tissue retracting surface on a second side of the support body. The system may include a first guide configured to receive a first pin to anchor the first pin into a bone when the bone is positioned within the bone engaging concavity. The system may include a second guide configured to receive a second pin to anchor the second pin into the bone when the bone is positioned within the bone engaging concavity.