Integrated Bone Cement Reservoir for Orthopedic Screw Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instruments require multiple steps and tools for implanting bone screws and applying bone cement, leading to complex handling, contamination risks, and inefficiencies in cement application.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece medical instrument with an integrated bone cement container and feed device allows for direct application of cement to the implant without removing the instrument, simplifying the process and eliminating external mixing, with features like separate chambers for component storage and a mixing area for optimal cement mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional medical instruments are used for implanting bone screws and applying bone cement separately, then the implantation process can be completed, but the handling complexity increases and contamination risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone screw implantation instrument and bone cement application instrument into a single integrated medical instrument. The instrument features a tool section for engaging with the bone screw and a bone cement container with a feed device for applying cement through the screw channel. This merging eliminates the need to remove and replace instruments between steps, directly reducing handling complexity and preventing contamination of the wound area and implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a screwdriver for implanting bone screws and as a bone cement applicator. The instrument includes a tool section for mechanical engagement with the screw and an integrated bone cement container with feed device for material application, allowing one instrument to perform multiple functions that previously required separate tools.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external mixing of bone cement is performed, then the cement can be applied, but soiling and contamination of the wound area occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bone cement mixing and storage function from the external environment and integrates it into the instrument itself. The bone cement container is designed with internal mixing elements and a feed device that delivers pre-mixed cement directly through the instrument's nozzle, eliminating the need for external mixing operations that cause soiling and contamination of the wound area.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument acts as an intermediary between the bone cement and the wound area. The integrated bone cement container with feed device delivers the cement through a controlled path within the instrument, preventing direct contact between external mixing materials and the sterile wound environment, thus eliminating contamination risks.
3Productivity
If multiple instruments are used for implantation and cement application, then the functions are specialized, but the time required for instrument changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the implantation and cement application functions into a single instrument that remains attached to the implant throughout the procedure. This eliminates the time loss associated with removing and replacing instruments between steps, directly improving implantation efficiency by allowing continuous operation without instrument changes.
4Reliability
If the instrument is designed as disposable, then contamination risks are eliminated, but the manufacturing simplicity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed as a disposable unit with integrated components that can be manufactured as a single piece or easily assembled from simple parts. The bone cement container, feed device, and tool section are configured to work together as a disposable system, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular or one-piece construction suitable for injection molding or other efficient manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a medical instrument (10) comprising a tool section (12) with a first tool element (66) for engaging with a corresponding second tool element (16) on an implant (18) in such a way that implants, in particular bone screws, can be implanted easily and quickly, it is proposed that it include a bone cement reservoir (50) arranged on or formed in the instrument.