Orthopedic Cable Tensioning Tool with Nested Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic cable tensioning and crimping systems require large access openings, leading to increased patient pain and prolonged recovery times, and are impractical in certain surgical locations due to surrounding joints and blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning and crimping tool with a housing unit, crimping section, and tensioning section that allows for in-line tensioning and crimping of orthopedic cables using a pistol-shaped device with a trigger-handle, inner and outer crimping tubes, and a tensioning unit with a collet and springs, enabling secure fixation of bone segments through a small insertion opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional orthopedic cable tensioning and crimping systems are used, then secure fixation of bone segments is achieved, but large access openings are required leading to increased patient pain and prolonged recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the crimping tube is positioned within the tensioning tube, and the cable passes through multiple concentric components. This nesting allows the entire tensioning and crimping system to be delivered through a single small insertion opening, eliminating the need for large access openings while maintaining secure bone segment fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a tensioning section with a collet mechanism for applying axial tension, and a crimping section with a crimping tube for securing the cable. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function through the small insertion opening, achieving reliable fixation without requiring large surgical access
2Adaptability or versatility
If cerclage systems are used to avoid bone penetration, then alternative fixation is provided, but access around the entire bone is required which is difficult and impractical in certain locations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access around the entire bone as with cerclage systems, this patent inverts the approach by delivering all necessary components through a single small insertion opening. The cable is tensioned and crimped in-line through the same opening used for insertion, making the procedure practical for locations where surrounding joints and blood vessels prevent circumferential access
3Object-affected harmful factors
If in-line tensioning and crimping is implemented, then minimal invasive access is achieved, but precise control of tension and crimping force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including springs that provide tactile and visual feedback to the operator during tensioning and crimping. The collet mechanism provides incremental tensioning feedback, and the crimping tube design provides feedback on cable positioning and crimping progress, enabling precise control without excessive device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-regulating mechanisms where the collet automatically maintains tension on the cable, and the crimping tube self-adjusts to properly position and crimp the cable. These self-service features reduce the complexity of operator control while achieving precise tensioning and crimping forces through minimal invasive access
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
Facilitates secure fixation of bone segments with minimal invasive access, applying up to 600N tension and crimping a crimp onto the cable without radial deflection, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time while allowing for precise, minimally invasive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
an inner spring configured to actuate the collet in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
an outer spring configured to actuate the tensioning rod in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to a tensioning and crimping tool, the tensioning and crimping tool including a housing unit, a crimping section including a housing, a trigger-handle mounted to the housing, a crimping unit, including an inner crimping tube and an outer crimping tube, where the outer crimping tube is mounted around the inner crimping tube and configured to move in an axial direction relative to the inner crimping tube to crimp a crimp onto the cable, a tensioning section including the housing, a collet opener end, and a tensioning unit including a collet, a cone sheath, a tensioning rod, a tensioning nut rotatable on the tensioning rod, an inner spring configured to actuate the collet in a first direction, and an outer spring configured to actuate the tensioning rod in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.