Intramedullary Bone Reattachment Clamp for Hands-Free Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixation of bone fragments, such as the greater trochanter, to a long bone or intramedullary implant is complicated by the presence of an intramedullary implant, often requiring manual stabilization and hindering simultaneous surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bone reattachment system featuring an intramedullary implant with a clamping assembly that includes a mount, clamp, and end effector, allowing for hands-free securement of bone segments using a clamping mechanism that adjusts to optimal angles and positions, facilitating the use of additional fixation means like wires or screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual stabilization is used to hold bone fragments in place, then the bone segments can be securely positioned, but the surgical procedure becomes cumbersome and prevents simultaneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is self-retaining and automatically maintains clamping force on the bone fragment without requiring continuous manual stabilization. The assembly includes a clamping mechanism that engages with the intramedullary implant and provides hands-free support for the bone segment throughout the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly acts as an intermediary device between the intramedullary implant and the bone fragment. It includes a first clamping member that engages the implant and a second clamping member that engages the bone fragment, transferring and maintaining positional stability without requiring direct manual holding
2Reliability
If multiple hands are crowded around the operating table to manually hold the bone fragment, then the fragment can be stabilized, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into distinct functional components: an intramedullary implant, a clamping assembly with separate first and second clamping members, and a bone fragment. Each component performs a specific function - the implant provides structural support, the first clamping member attaches to the implant, the second clamping member secures the bone fragment, and together they maintain relative positioning without requiring additional stabilization devices
3Manufacturing precision
If manual holding is used to keep the bone fragment stationary, then positioning is achieved, but surgical productivity decreases due to inability to perform simultaneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly provides automatic, hands-free positioning and stabilization of the bone fragment throughout the surgical procedure. Once the clamping members are engaged and the assembly is secured to the intramedullary implant, it maintains precise positioning without requiring continuous manual intervention, freeing the surgeon's hands for other surgical tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is configured to be pre-assembled and pre-positioned before final attachment to the bone fragment. The first clamping member can be attached to the intramedullary implant in advance, and the assembly can be adjusted to the correct orientation and position before engaging the bone fragment, ensuring accurate positioning is achieved efficiently
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
Enables secure, hands-free attachment of bone fragments to long bones or intramedullary implants, enhancing surgical efficiency by allowing simultaneous operations without manual stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp is actuatable between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The clamp includes a four-bar linkage with a toggle joint that amplifies applied force and self-rights when actuated
Implementation Method 2
The shuttle is frustro-conical and frictionally engages the elongate slot to self-lock in the second position and prohibit movement of the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
A bone reattachment system includes an intramedullary implant that includes a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end thereof, and a stem body that defines at least the second end and is configured to be received within an intramedullary canal of a long bone. The system also includes a clamping assembly for clamping a first bone segment to a second bone segment and includes a mount, a clamp, and an end effector. The mount is connectable to the first end of the intramedullary implant. The clamp has a first end connected to the mount and a second end moveable relative to the first end. The end effector is connected to and extends from the second end of the clamp such that movement of the second end of the clamp relative to the first end moves the end effector in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary implant.