Modular Leg-Holding Device for Hip and Knee Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leg-holding devices for hip or knee surgery are often large, complex, and resource-intensive, lacking the ability to support external rotation and are not cost-effective, particularly for procedures like hip or knee adduction in the lateral decubitus position.

Innovation Solution

A leg-holding device with a detachable support fixture, main frame, rotating frame, and foot plate that allows for multiple degrees of freedom, enabling easy adjustment and rotation of the leg, including external rotation, through a system of lateral and rotational axes, facilitating quick and efficient positioning during surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional distraction units are used for hip or knee surgery, then the leg can be positioned, but the device is large, complex, and consumes significant resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction unit is divided into separate modular components: a first frame, a second frame, and a foot plate, each capable of independent movement along specific axes. This segmentation allows the device to achieve complex positioning functions through simple, independent movements of individual components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic, detachable connections between frames and the foot plate, allowing real-time adjustment and reconfiguration during surgical procedures. The detachable nature enables quick adaptation to different surgical needs without requiring complex fixed mechanisms, improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated distraction units are used for specific surgical approaches, then positioning is achieved, but the device cannot support external rotation and is not versatile

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction unit is designed with universal capability to support multiple surgical approaches and positioning requirements. The first frame can move along first and second lateral axes with rotational movement, while the second frame and foot plate provide additional degrees of freedom. This multi-axis capability allows the same device to accommodate various surgical approaches including posterior, anterior, lateral, and external rotation positions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device adds rotational freedom as an additional dimension to the traditional linear positioning capabilities. By enabling movement along multiple lateral axes and rotational axes, the system transitions from simple linear distraction to multi-dimensional positioning, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If complex distraction units are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but man-power and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction unit utilizes the patient's own body weight and gravity to provide the distraction force during surgery. The mechanical structure is designed to leverage gravitational force acting on the patient's limb, eliminating the need for external powered distraction mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces energy consumption to minimal levels while maintaining effective positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3811919B1Leg-holding device for hip or knee surgery and arrangement method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 MATHYS AG BETTLACH
  • EP3811919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3811919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3811919B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A leg-holding device (100) for hip or knee surgery is provided. The device (100) comprises a support fixture (10) adapted to fasten the device (100) on an edge of a surface. In addition, the device (100) comprises a main frame (20) arranged on the support fixture (10) in a detachable manner, adapted to move along a first lateral axis (1) and a first rotational axis (2) with respect to the support fixture (10). Furthermore, the device (100) comprises a rotating frame (30) arranged on the main frame (20) in a detachable manner, adapted to move along a second lateral axis (3) and a second rotational axis (4) with respect to the main frame (20). Moreover, the device (100) comprises a foot plate (40) arranged on the rotating frame (30) in a detachable manner, adapted to move along a third lateral axis (5) and a third rotational axis (6) with respect to the rotating frame (30).