Orthopaedic Impactor Securing Mechanism for Acetabular Cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic impactors lack a secure connection mechanism between the acetabular cup and the impactor, leading to potential instability during hip replacement surgeries, especially when using a cement-less approach.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic impactor with a securing mechanism featuring an elongate member, an impact head, an implant interface, and a sliding pressing member actuated by an actuator, which creates a more secure connection by pushing against the acetabular cup's interior surface, allowing for easier attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threading connection is used between impactor and acetabular cup, then the device structure remains simple, but the connection stability is insufficient leading to potential slippage during impaction
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into separate components: an actuator, a pressing member, and a releasing member that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide secure connection through multiple functional elements while maintaining ease of assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member is designed to be movable relative to the impactor body, transitioning between a secured position (where it presses against the cup) and a released position. This dynamic capability allows the mechanism to adapt during different phases of the surgical procedure, providing stability during impaction while enabling easy detachment afterward.
2Reliability
If a secure pressing connection is implemented, then connection stability improves, but the device becomes more difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the securing mechanism into separable components (actuator, pressing member, releasing member), each part can be independently accessed and cleaned. The movable pressing member can be positioned away from the cup interface, allowing surgical instruments to reach all surfaces for thorough cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is designed to be easily detached from the impactor body through the releasing member, allowing the pressing member and actuator to be separated for cleaning. After cleaning, the components can be reassembled and recovered for reuse, maintaining both hygiene and functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pressing member is fixed in position, then the structure remains simple, but the mechanism cannot adapt to different implant interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member's ability to move along the longitudinal axis of the impactor allows it to adapt to different cup depths and interface geometries. This single dynamic element provides versatility across multiple implant scenarios without requiring multiple specialized tools or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism with its movable pressing member and releasing actuator is designed to work with various types of acetabular cups and implant interfaces. The universal design allows one impactor system to handle multiple surgical scenarios, reducing the need for specialized tools for different cup types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The securing mechanism provides a more stable and secure connection between the acetabular cup and the impactor, reducing the risk of slippage during impaction and facilitating easier cleaning and versatility across different implant interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing member at least partly covering the implant interface that is connected to the actuator and slidable relative to the implant surface
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is configured to slide the pressing member along the implant interface
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic impactor includes an elongate member having an interface end; an impact head connected to the elongate member; an implant interface held at the interface end that is configured to connect to an acetabular cup; and a securing mechanism attached to the elongate member that includes an actuator and a pressing member at least partly covering the implant interface. The pressing member is connected to the actuator and slidable relative to the implant interface. The actuator is configured to slide the pressing member along the implant interface.