Lower Limb Traction Device for Intramedullary Nail Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traction devices for femur and tibia fractures during intramedullary nail implantation operations are inefficient, requiring multiple assistants and often fail to maintain limb length, leading to complications like malformation and arthritis, and occupy space needed for surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A lower limb traction device with a chassis, slide blocks, guide rails, pulling mechanisms, jacking assemblies, and Kirschner wires that allows for stable and adjustable traction of the femur and tibia, enabling intramedullary nail implantation without occupying surgical space and maintaining proper limb alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two assistants are used to hold proximal and distal ends of the broken bone for traction, then the femur or tibia can be restored, but the assistants occupy space needed for surgical operation and cannot stably maintain the fracture restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traction function from human assistants and incorporates it into a dedicated traction device. The device includes a traction bow connected to the distal fragment, a screw rod for applying traction force, and a support structure, thereby removing the need for assistants to occupy surgical space while maintaining reliable fracture restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a traction device as an intermediary between the surgeon and the fractured bone. The device includes a traction bow that connects to the distal fragment, a screw rod that applies controlled traction force, and a support structure, serving as a mediator that provides stable restoration without requiring assistant intervention in the surgical field
2Reliability
If existing traction devices are used to restore fractured femur or tibia, then traction can be applied, but the devices occupy the upper space of the lower limb which affects surgical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traction device into separate functional components: a traction bow for applying force to the distal fragment, a screw rod for controlled force application, and a support structure. This segmentation allows the device to be positioned strategically without occupying the upper space of the lower limb, thereby maintaining surgical accessibility while ensuring effective traction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the traction device components in three-dimensional space, placing the support structure and screw rod in a configuration that utilizes available space without occupying the upper space of the lower limb. The traction bow extends toward the distal fragment while the support structure is positioned to avoid interfering with the surgical field, effectively using spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction
3Adaptability or versatility
If the patient maintains a bending leg posture for intramedullary nail implantation, then the nail can be implanted from the distal end of femur or proximal end of tibia, but the patient cannot receive effective traction without a specialized device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic traction system where the screw rod can be adjusted to apply appropriate traction force while the patient maintains the bending leg posture required for intramedullary nail implantation. The device adapts to the surgical position rather than requiring the patient to change posture, ensuring both surgical accessibility and effective traction
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 device ensures reliable and efficient restoration of limb length and alignment during surgery, improving the quality and efficiency of intramedullary nail implantation operations while minimizing the need for additional assistants and maintaining a comfortable surgical environment.
Implementation Method 1
a first screw rod working in cooperation with the first nut and having an inner end portion facing to the chassis and an outer end portion distanced from the chassis
Implementation Method 2
a hand wheel mounted on the outer end portion of the first screw rod
Data Source
AI summary
A lower limb traction device for intramedullary nail implantation operation includes a chassis with a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to each other; a first slide block slidably provided at a second end portion of the chassis in a longitudinal direction of the chassis; a lower leg support plate having two opposite end portions and two opposite side portions, wherein one end portion is connected to the first slide block; an upper leg back plate having opposite end portions and opposite side portions, wherein one end portion of the upper leg back plate is connected to the second end portion of the chassis, and the other end portion of the upper leg back plate is connected to the other end of the lower leg support plate; and a pulling mechanism provided at the first end portion of the chassis.