Bone Cavity Broaching Tool with Rotator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone fracture fixation methods face challenges in efficiently preparing the interior of bones for implants due to varying tissue densities and anatomical complexities, which can affect the therapeutic effectiveness of the implantation process.

Innovation Solution

The development of a broaching tool with a rotator and broaching member that can be rotated within the bone to displace, disaggregate, or abrade bone material, creating a cavity tailored to receive an implant while minimizing energy input and respecting different tissue densities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional drilling or reaming methods are used to prepare bone cavities, then the bone interior can be cleared for implant reception, but excessive energy is imparted to the bone tissue causing thermal damage and compromising implant integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone cavity preparation precisionVSAvoidenergy imparted to bone tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional high-energy mechanical drilling and reaming systems with a low-energy broaching system. The broaching member uses a rasp-like surface with multiple cutting edges that mechanically engage and remove bone tissue through a pushing motion rather than high-speed rotation, significantly reducing thermal damage and energy impartation to the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters from high-speed rotational drilling to low-speed linear broaching motion. The broaching member engages the bone tissue with controlled mechanical pressure and a pushing motion through the bone cavity, removing tissue with minimal energy input and avoiding thermal damage associated with traditional drilling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If rigid broaching members are used to effectively remove dense bone tissue, then bone material can be displaced efficiently, but the tool cannot adapt to varying tissue densities and anatomical complexities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone material displacement efficiencyVSAvoidadaptation to varying tissue densities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible broaching member that can dynamically adapt its shape and stiffness as it engages different bone tissue densities. The member is pushed through the bone cavity, allowing it to bend and conform to the anatomical geometry while maintaining sufficient rigidity to cut through dense cortical bone and flexibility to navigate cancellous bone regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The broaching member features varying local properties along its length, with different sections having different stiffness characteristics. This allows the proximal portion to engage and cut dense cortical bone while the distal portion flexes to navigate the cancellous bone interior, effectively addressing varying tissue densities with a single tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible broaching members are used to adapt to anatomical complexities, then the tool can navigate varying tissue densities, but the member may buckle or deform excessively under load reducing cutting effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation of anatomical complexitiesVSAvoidresistance to buckling under load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The broaching member is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, each with optimized stiffness characteristics. The proximal section near the handle has higher stiffness to resist buckling under operator applied load, while distal sections have progressively lower stiffness to allow navigation of anatomical complexities and conformation to the bone cavity geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach allows for precise preparation of bone cavities, enhancing the alignment and stability of implants by accommodating varying tissue densities, thereby improving the therapeutic outcomes in bone fracture fixation.

Implementation Method 1

a broaching member that can be rotated within the bone to displace, disaggregate, or abrade bone material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a broaching member that can be rotated within the bone to displace, disaggregate, or abrade bone material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS10076342B2Tissue displacement tools and methods

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 CONVENTUS ORTHOPAEDICS INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for bone cavity preparation. Formed broaching members may be supported inside a bone by a rotator. The broaching members may be bowed out inside the bone to create a cavity having a shape determined by the broaching members and bone anatomy.