Joint Distraction Lever with Integrated Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for joint distraction in surgical procedures, such as joint replacement, are subjective, difficult to learn, and often require iterative adjustments, making it challenging for surgeons to apply consistent and proper distraction forces, especially at varying flexion angles.
Innovation Solution
A joint distraction lever with a thin, narrow body and a fulcrum that measures and applies a consistent distraction force, featuring a handle with grip grooves, a rotatable handle option, and an integrated force measurement system using strain gauges or load cells to provide feedback through indicators like LEDs, ensuring precise force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual valgus torque or osteotome levering is used to apply joint distraction force, then the surgeon can perform the procedure with simple tools, but the applied force becomes subjective and varies between surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device incorporates a force sensor that provides real-time feedback to the surgeon about the magnitude of distraction force being applied. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to maintain simple manual operation while achieving consistent, measurable force application, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If spring-based, electromechanical, or hydraulic distractors are used to apply consistent distraction force, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential force measurement capability from complex distractor systems by using a simple force sensor integrated into the distraction lever. This eliminates the need for large springs, electromechanical actuators, or hydraulic systems while maintaining consistent force application, thus reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A force sensor acts as an intermediary element between the surgeon's manual leverage and the bone distraction. This intermediary provides precise force measurement and feedback without requiring complex actuation mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between force consistency and device simplicity.
3Device complexity
If shim-like spoons or gap sticks are used for joint distraction, then the device structure remains simple, but iterative insertion with various thicknesses is required making the procedure time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback that eliminates the need for iterative thickness adjustments. The surgeon can achieve the correct distraction force in a single insertion by relying on force feedback rather than repeatedly trying different shim thicknesses, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining simple device structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If valgus torque is applied to the tibia at flexion angles greater than 30 degrees, then the knee joint can be distracted at various flexion positions, but the femur rotates about the femoral head making the technique extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction lever with force sensor acts as an intermediary that transforms the surgeon's input force into controlled distraction at the joint. This mechanism allows distraction at various flexion positions without requiring the surgeon to directly apply difficult valgus torque, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
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 allows for consistent and repeatable force application across different surgeons and flexion angles, reducing the risk of injury and improving the accuracy of joint distraction procedures by providing real-time feedback on the applied force.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated force measurement system using strain gauges or load cells to provide feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A joint distraction lever for use during a distraction procedure is disclosed. The joint distraction lever includes a lever body having a handle portion coupled to a working portion, a fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the working portion of the lever body, a distal tip, wherein the distal tip is raised above a top surface of the working portion of the lever body, a force measurement device configured to measure a distraction force applied at the distal tip during a distraction procedure for a joint during which a torque is applied at the handle portion of the lever body, and a force value output configured to indicate the distraction force applied at the distal tip.