Modular Knee Distractor Components for Patient-Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgery systems lack stability and distraction, are difficult to sterilize, require complex assembly, and do not adapt well to individual patient sizes, posing challenges for precise bone and joint positioning in advanced surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A modular distractor system providing enhanced structural stability, adaptability to patient and surgical needs, ease of use, and compatibility with sterilization systems, featuring a minimal number of parts and customizable components for secure limb positioning and distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgery systems are used, then basic surgical support is provided, but stability and distraction are insufficient for precise bone and joint positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor system is divided into multiple modular components including a base plate, vertical post, distractor mechanism, and positioning elements that can be independently adjusted and assembled to achieve precise bone and joint positioning while maintaining system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and movable components such as the distractor mechanism with variable distraction forces, adjustable positioning elements, and flexible assembly configurations that allow dynamic adaptation to different surgical requirements and patient anatomies
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional surgery systems are used, then basic support is provided, but ease of sterilization is compromised due to complex components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as modular components that can be separated for sterilization, with each component capable of being sterilized independently using conventional methods, reducing the complexity of sterilization processes while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Certain components of the distractor system are designed as disposable elements that can be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization procedures for those specific parts while maintaining sterility requirements
3Productivity
If conventional surgery systems are used, then basic functionality is provided, but assembly time is excessive affecting surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-configured and pre-positioned during manufacturing to allow for rapid assembly during surgery, with features such as pre-drilled holes, pre-threaded fasteners, and pre-aligned mounting surfaces that reduce assembly time and improve surgical efficiency
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surgery systems are used, then basic support is provided, but adaptability to individual patient sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable components including variable-height vertical posts, adjustable distractor mechanisms, and reconfigurable positioning elements that can be adapted to different patient anatomies and surgical requirements while maintaining stable support through secure locking mechanisms and rigid connections
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus, system, and method for positioning, holding, and/or distracting the bones and associated ligaments and tissue of the knee during surgery. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a modular distractor system may provide enhanced structural stability and support of a patient's limb, resulting in a better outcome for the patient. In another aspect, a base plate and carriage assembly are provided for securing the distractor assembly to the operating room table and translating and/or tilting the distractor to accommodate the specific geometry of the limb and surgical operation. In a further aspect, modular distractor components are described which provide for interchangeability and a tailored approach that accommodates variable patient limb size and the specific surgical application. In another aspect, a cross support is disclosed which provides a snap fit to a single or multi-use patient positioner pad and support projections for skin distraction.