Constraining Ring Inserter With Interchangeable Gripper Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning of a constraining ring on an acetabular liner during hip arthroplasty is challenging due to the confined surgical space, obscured vision, and the need for precise manipulation, which can lead to delays and potential damage to polyethylene liners.
Innovation Solution
A handheld instrument kit with a shaft and interchangeable heads, featuring resilient gripper arms and a coupling system, allows for precise placement and secure positioning of the constraining ring on the acetabular liner, minimizing interference with the surgical site and facilitating easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If instruments are used to keep the incision site open, then the surgical site remains accessible, but the surgeon's vision is obscured and the incision area is crowded
Solution Approach 1:
The constraining ring inserter is designed to be introduced through the existing incision rather than requiring separate large incisions, extracting the need for additional space-occupying instruments while maintaining surgical access
Solution Approach 2:
The constraining ring is positioned on the femoral component within the joint cavity, nesting the positioning function inside the existing surgical field without requiring external instruments that would crowd the incision area
2Manufacturing precision
If the constraining ring is positioned manually in the confined space, then precise placement is possible, but the procedure is time-consuming and may damage the polyethylene liner
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter instrument acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between manual precision and efficient placement, providing controlled positioning of the constraining ring while protecting the polyethylene liner from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The constraining ring is pre-positioned on the femoral component using the inserter before final assembly, allowing precise placement to be achieved in advance while protecting the liner during the positioning process
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the incision is kept small for improved healing and aesthetics, then cosmetic results and recovery are improved, but manipulation of components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter instrument is divided into distinct functional segments (handle, shaft, positioning mechanism) that can be manipulated independently through the small incision, enabling complex component positioning while maintaining a minimal incision size
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design allows for angular and rotational manipulation through the incision, utilizing dimensional freedom to achieve precise component placement despite the constrained access path
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 instrument kit enables efficient and accurate placement of the constraining ring, reducing procedural delays and minimizing the risk of liner damage, while maintaining clear access for the surgeon, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the hip arthroplasty procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of resilient gripper arms, each of the pair of resilient gripper arms defining a constraining ring reception area
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held instrument is provided in one embodiment in a kit for use in positioning a constraining ring of an acetabular liner system and includes a shaft including a first coupling member, and a plurality of heads, each of the plurality of heads including (i) a base configured to couple with the first coupling member and (ii) a pair of resilient gripper arms, each of the pair of resilient gripper arms defining a constraining ring reception area having a size different from the constraining ring reception area defined by the pair of gripper arms of each of the other of the plurality of heads.