Modular Knee Distractor Assembly for Stable Limb Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgery systems lack stability and distraction, are not easily sterilizable, require complex assembly, and do not adapt 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 precise limb positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional surgery systems use simple support structures, then assembly is quick and easy, but stability and distraction precision 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 posts, horizontal crossbars, and positioning elements that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high stability through precise modular connections while maintaining reasonable assembly complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable positioning elements, adjustable angles, and modular connections that can be dynamically modified during surgery. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different patient anatomies and surgical requirements while maintaining stability throughout the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surgery systems use fixed configurations, then assembly is simple, but adaptability to individual patient sizes and surgical needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor system employs universal components and standardized interfaces that can be configured for different patient sizes and surgical applications. The modular base plate, vertical posts, and horizontal crossbars can be arranged in various configurations to accommodate different anatomical requirements, making the system versatile without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of key parameters including the distance between positioning elements, the angle of distraction, and the height of vertical posts. These parameter changes enable adaptation to individual patient anatomies and specific surgical requirements while using the same modular component set.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional surgery systems require multiple components for precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but assembly time and sterilization complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-configured with standardized connection interfaces and pre-marked alignment features that guide rapid assembly. The positioning elements include pre-set angles and distances that eliminate the need for complex measurements and adjustments during assembly, reducing assembly time while maintaining positioning precision.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional surgery systems require staff to hold objects during prolonged operations, then stability is maintained, but ease of operation and staff convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor system is designed with self-stabilizing features including wide base plates, integrated locking mechanisms, and gravity-assisted positioning that eliminate the need for continuous manual support by surgical staff. Once assembled and locked, the system maintains stability autonomously throughout the prolonged surgical procedure, freeing staff to perform other critical tasks.
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.