Intramedullary Bone Reattachment Clamp for Hands-Free Fragment Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixation of bone fragments, such as the greater trochanter, to a femur or intramedullary implant is complicated by the presence of an intramedullary implant, requiring manual stabilization and hindering simultaneous surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A bone reattachment system with an intramedullary implant and a clamping assembly that includes a mount, clamp, and end effector, allowing for hands-free securement of bone segments using a toggle-lock mechanism and adjustable end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stabilization is used to hold bone fragments in place, then the bone segments can be secured, but the surgeon's hands are occupied and simultaneous surgical operations are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is designed to self-stabilize bone fragments through its toggle-lock mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual stabilization. The system serves itself by maintaining clamping force without requiring surgeon intervention, thereby freeing hands for other surgical tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is divided into separate functional components: a mount that attaches to the intramedullary implant, a clamp body with toggle mechanism, and a clamping arm that contacts the bone fragment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve hands-free stabilization
2Extent of automation
If a clamping assembly with toggle mechanism is used, then hands-free securement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a dynamic toggle mechanism that transitions between open and closed states. The links and lever create a mechanical system that is easy to activate but provides strong self-locking clamping force once engaged, achieving automation without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle mechanism acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's simple lever activation and the complex requirement of secure hands-free clamping. It translates a simple linear motion into a self-locking clamping action, bridging the gap between ease of operation and securement reliability
3Reliability
If multiple links and a toggle mechanism are incorporated in the clamp, then stable clamping is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into single components where possible. For example, the mount integrates both attachment functionality to the intramedullary implant and positioning features for the clamp. The links are designed as simple pinned connections that are easy to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp components are designed and pre-assembled with precise geometries and pin locations during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the components are assembled in the operating room, they function reliably without requiring complex adjustment or alignment procedures
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~5D
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.