Modular Long Bone Positioning Structure for Fracture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning and stabilizing long bones during orthopedic procedures, such as femur fractures, are inefficient and prone to misalignment due to the use of unsecured crutches and manual assistance, which can lead to complications and difficulty in maneuvering medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A modular long bone positioning device with adjustable components, including a crescent-shaped member and vertical post, that securely affixes to a surgical table, allowing for precise adjustment and stabilization of the patient's leg, eliminating the need for manual assistance and reducing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unsecured crutches and manual assistance are used for positioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into multiple independent components: a base plate for attachment to the surgical table, a vertical post with adjustment mechanism, a crescent-shaped member with plunger for lateral positioning, and a horizontal brace member for longitudinal support. Each component can be adjusted independently to achieve precise bone alignment while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable components including a vertical post with height adjustment, a crescent-shaped member with a plunger mechanism for lateral positioning, and a horizontal brace member with longitudinal adjustment. These dynamic adjustment capabilities allow the device to adapt to different patient anatomies and fracture types, achieving precise alignment without requiring complex fixed structures.
2Ease of operation
If unsecured crutches are used for positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and reliability of bone positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The base plate attaches securely to the surgical table, and the adjustable components (vertical post, crescent-shaped member with plunger, horizontal brace member) can be independently positioned and locked to provide stable bone alignment without requiring continuous manual assistance or complex operational procedures.
3Device complexity
If manual assistance is used for positioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and procedural efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is assembled and adjusted before the fracture reduction procedure begins. The base plate is attached to the surgical table, and all positioning components (vertical post, crescent-shaped member, horizontal brace member) are pre-adjusted to the required positions. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for continuous manual assistance during the procedure, thereby improving productivity and procedural efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If unsecured crutches are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the loss of time for realignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device uses simple, easily manufactured components: a base plate, vertical post, crescent-shaped member, and horizontal brace member. These individual parts can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and assembled quickly, minimizing the time required for setup and realignment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient positioning device for use during the repair of a long bone procedure includes a crescent-shaped member detachably coupled to an elongated post member, a patient positioning instrument mounted in the track of the crescent-shaped member having an adjustable radial position toward the center of the crescent-shaped member, where the patient positioning instrument comprises at least one of a padded plunger, a bone pusher, and a bone hook. The device further includes a horizontally-oriented brace member mounted in the track of the elongated post member having an adjustable height position along the track, and the patient positioning instrument and the brace member being adapted to securely hold and support a patient's anatomy. The patient positioning device is coupled to a clamp for secure mounting to a surgical table.