Releasable Hook Coupling for Bone Distractor Explantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical distance adjusting assemblies for bone distractors require two invasive surgical procedures for implantation and explantation, leading to complications such as bulky structures, jamming issues, and increased risk of infections due to complex removal mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical distance adjusting assembly with a base and carrier that provide a releasable mechanical coupling using hook members and threaded openings, allowing for easy detachment of bone attachment members, reducing the need for multiple surgical procedures and simplifying the explantation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bone distractor uses a fixed coupling mechanism between plates and distractor, then the distraction function is maintained, but two separate surgical procedures are required for implantation and explantation
Solution Approach 1:
The bone distractor is divided into separable components: the distractor body and the bone plates are coupled through a releasable mechanical connection rather than a permanent fixed connection. This segmentation allows the plates to be attached during implantation and detached during explantation, eliminating the need for two separate surgical procedures while maintaining distraction functionality throughout the treatment period.
2Strength
If a bone distractor uses a bulky structure to provide stable bone holding, then bone attachment is improved, but tissue interference and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plates are designed with localized attachment features (such as hooks or engagement structures) that provide stable bone holding only where needed, rather than requiring a bulky overall structure. This localized quality approach maintains sufficient bone attachment stability while minimizing the distactor's footprint and reducing interference with surrounding tissues, thereby lowering infection risk.
3Ease of operation
If a bone distractor uses a complicated removal mechanism, then the device can be removed, but jamming issues occur during explantation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the bone plates and distactor is designed to be dynamically reversible - easily engaged during implantation and easily disengaged during explantation. The mechanical connection (such as hooks that can be released by simple manipulation) provides reliable attachment during the treatment period but can be smoothly detached without jamming, ensuring reliable explantation.
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
The assembly facilitates a single-stage explantation, reduces the risk of tissue interference and infections, and maintains a compact size while providing a wide range of operating distances, enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded rod has an end engaging an anvil area of the first clamp. As the threaded rod is turned, an expansion force is generated between the first and second clamp.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical distance adjusting assembly for a distractor has a base having a first connecting portion configured to hold a first bone attachment member and a carrier having a second connecting portion configured to hold a second bone attachment member. The base and the carrier are movable relative to each other, wherein the first and second connecting portions provide a releasable mechanical coupling to the first and second bone attachment members. The releasable mechanical coupling comprises a hook member at one or both of the first and second connecting portions and configured to engage the respective bone attachment member. Alternatively, the releasable mechanical coupling comprises an opening at one or both of the first and second connecting portions. The opening has a thread for a fixation screw configured to releasable couple the respective bone attachment member to the respective connecting portion.