Instrumented Joint Distraction Lever for Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint distraction techniques in surgical procedures for joint replacement are subjective, difficult to learn, and lack precision, particularly for applying the proper distraction force, which varies among surgeons and requires significant time and effort.
Innovation Solution
A joint distraction lever with a handle and working portion, featuring a fulcrum and distal tip, equipped with a force measurement device and indicator, allowing for precise measurement and feedback of the distraction force applied during the procedure, enabling consistent and repeatable force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual techniques (valgus torque application, osteotome levering, shim placement) are used for joint distraction, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the distraction force is subjective, varies among surgeons, and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical distraction techniques with an instrumented lever system that incorporates force measurement capabilities. The lever includes a force sensor embedded in its structure, allowing electronic measurement of distraction force rather than relying on subjective manual application. This substitution maintains the mechanical lever action for distraction while adding precise force quantification through the integrated sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating a force sensor that measures the distraction force applied through the lever and provides this information to the surgeon. The sensor detects the force applied at the distal tip and can display or indicate this force, allowing the surgeon to monitor and adjust the distraction force in real-time to achieve the desired precision.
2Measurement precision
If spring-based, electromechanical, or hydraulic distractors are used, then distraction force can be controlled, but the devices become large and complex, requiring bone removal to accommodate opposing plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of distraction force application from complex spring-based, electromechanical, or hydraulic systems and concentrates it into a simplified lever mechanism. By removing the opposing plates and complex actuation mechanisms, the design achieves force control through a single-lever system with an integrated force sensor, eliminating the need for bone removal to accommodate large device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to serve multiple functions: it applies the distraction force, measures the force through an integrated sensor, and provides feedback to the surgeon. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices (distractor, force sensor, display) into a single unified instrument, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If force sensing shims are used, then distraction force can be measured, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome due to iterative insertion with various thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is pre-integrated into the lever structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for iterative insertion and adjustment of separate sensing components. The sensor is already positioned and calibrated within the lever, allowing immediate force measurement upon insertion into the joint, thus saving time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lever mechanism and force sensor into a single integrated unit. Rather than using separate force sensing shims that require iterative insertion, the force measurement capability is combined with the lever itself, allowing simultaneous application of distraction force and measurement in a single action.
4Productivity
If the proper distraction force is not consistently applied, then the procedure can be completed, but joint alignment accuracy and ligament re-tensioning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on the distraction force applied during the procedure. This feedback allows the surgeon to monitor whether the target force is being achieved and adjusted accordingly, ensuring consistent and accurate joint alignment and ligament re-tensioning while maintaining procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective manual force application with an instrumented system that objectively measures and controls the distraction force. This substitution ensures that the proper force is consistently applied throughout the procedure, improving joint alignment accuracy while completing the procedure efficiently through automated force management.
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 solution provides consistent and precise joint distraction force application, reducing variability among surgeons and improving procedural efficiency by quantifying the force applied, ensuring accurate joint alignment and preparation for prosthetic implantation.
Implementation Method 1
A joint distraction lever with a handle and working portion, featuring a fulcrum and distal tip, equipped with a force measurement device and indicator, allowing for precise measurement and feedback of the distraction force applied during the procedure
Implementation Method 2
A joint distraction lever with a handle and working portion, featuring a fulcrum and distal tip
Data Source
AI summary
A joint distraction lever, comprising a lever body comprising a handle portion and a working portion, a distal tip coupled to the working portion, and a fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the working portion and spaced apart from the distal tip such that the fulcrum is positioned between the distal tip and the handle portion, where the joint distraction lever is configured to determine a distraction force based on deformation of the joint distraction lever.