Offset Carbon Fiber Reamer Handle for Hip Surgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional reamer spindles used in hip replacement surgeries, especially minimally invasive procedures, are hindered by their straight design and fixed handle orientation, making them less effective in navigating small, tortuous spaces within the body.
Innovation Solution
A reamer spindle with an offset design and a handle that can be positioned in multiple orientations, made from durable lightweight materials like carbon fiber, allowing for easier maneuverability and reduced trauma to muscle tissue, and equipped with a rotatable shaft for efficient bone cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a straight reamer spindle with fixed handle orientation is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it impedes the tool's ability to be used in small, tortuous spaces within the body
Solution Approach 1:
The reamer spindle is divided into separate segments: a straight housing portion, a curved intermediate portion, and a handle assembly. This segmentation allows the tool to navigate tortuous spaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing, adding a rotational degree of freedom. This allows the handle to be positioned in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), enabling the surgeon to access difficult angles within the acetabulum.
2Ease of operation
If a straight reamer spindle design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but maneuverability in small surgical spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into a straight housing portion (easy to manufacture) and a separate curved intermediate portion that provides the necessary maneuverability. Each segment can be manufactured using standard processes, avoiding the need for complex curved shaft fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
A curved intermediate portion acts as a mediator between the straight housing and the surgical site, enabling the tool to navigate tortuous paths while the housing itself remains simple and easy to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed handle orientation is used, then the device structure is simpler, but adaptability to different surgical angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to rotate and lock at multiple angular positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) relative to the housing. This dynamic adjustability provides surgical flexibility without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides grip for the surgeon, allows angular adjustment for different surgical approaches, and can be removed for sterilization. This multi-functionality justifies the moderate increase in complexity.
4Productivity
If traditional open surgical approach is used, then surgical access is easier, but recovery time is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The reamer spindle's segmented design with offset handle positioning allows it to be inserted through a smaller incision while maintaining adequate leverage and control, enabling minimally invasive surgery and faster patient recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the handle offset from the longitudinal axis and allowing rotational adjustment, the tool can be manipulated through a small incision at optimal angles, achieving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without sacrificing surgical access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A reamer for use in minimally invasive hip replacement surgical approaches is provided. The reamer spindle includes an offset elongate housing portion that extends from a proximal housing end portion a distal housing end portion. A handle assembly, preferably comprising a durable lightweight material such as carbon fiber that is removably connectable to the housing of the reamer spindle. A reamer head is removably connectable to the distal neck portion and has a surface configured to cut bone.