Bone Distraction Tool with Scissor-Joint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face challenges in effectively aligning and stabilizing fractured bone segments before fixation, as existing tools lack a precise mechanism to apply distraction and compression forces necessary for proper alignment and fusion.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held tool with pivotably coupled handles and engaging arms, featuring a scissor-joint mechanism, allows for the application of distraction or compression forces by engaging bone fasteners and plates, enabling precise manipulation of bone segments through a method involving incision, engagement, and controlled movement of handles to align and stabilize bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual manipulation is used to align bone segments, then the surgeon can apply distraction and compression forces, but the alignment precision and control over the manipulation process is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device between the surgeon's hands and the bone segments. This tool features engaging arms with recesses that precisely receive bone fasteners (screws, wires, or plates), providing a mechanical interface that translates manual manipulation into controlled distraction and compression forces. The recesses act as mediators that ensure precise engagement and force application, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and manipulation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical manipulation with a specialized tool that uses a scissor-joint mechanism. This mechanical system converts the surgeon's manual input into precise, controlled distraction and compression forces through the engaging arms and scissor-joint linkage. The mechanical substitution provides better control over the forces applied to bone segments while maintaining alignment precision, addressing the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If extensive incisions are made to access and manipulate bone segments, then the surgeon can effectively apply forces for alignment and stabilization, but the surgical trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized tool serves as an intermediary that enables force application through smaller incisions. The engaging arms with recesses for bone fasteners allow the tool to be inserted through minimal access points, transmitting distraction and compression forces to bone segments without requiring extensive incisions. This intermediary mechanism reduces surgical trauma while maintaining operational effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple tool design is used for bone manipulation, then the device is easier to manufacture and operate, but it cannot provide precise distraction and compression forces needed for proper alignment and fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates recesses in the engaging arms as intermediary features that precisely receive bone fasteners. These recesses, with specific dimensions and geometries, provide a simple yet precise mechanism for force application. The recesses act as mediators that ensure accurate engagement and controlled distraction/compression forces, achieving manufacturing precision without excessive complexity while remaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a scissor-joint mechanism as a simple yet effective mechanical system that provides precise force application. This mechanism replaces complex actuation systems with a straightforward scissor-joint design that naturally provides controlled distraction and compression forces. The mechanical substitution achieves precision in force application while maintaining ease of manufacture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is disclosed for use in distracting and compressing fractures of any of a variety of bones. In particular, the tool has a pair of engaging arms, one arm having a hook element to engage a bone plate connected to one side of a fracture, and the other arm having at least one recess for engaging a head of a bone screw or guide wire connected to the other side of the fracture. Actuation of the tool causes the opposing bone segments of the fracture to be pushed apart or drawn together, depending on whether the tool handles are squeezed together or pulled apart. The tool may have a scissors joint that allows the ends of the tool to maintain a parallel alignment during operation, thus reducing the chances for misalignment of the bone segments during operation.