Orthopedic Distraction Instrument with Threaded Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic surgical tools for compressing or distracting bones are often cumbersome or ineffective in certain surgical pathologies, lacking the necessary precision and ease of use for optimal tissue manipulation during procedures like scoliosis correction or trauma healing.
Innovation Solution
A dual-armed instrument with a threaded rod and adjustable assemblies that connect to orthopedic implants, allowing for precise compression or distraction of bones by rotating the threaded rod and utilizing release mechanisms for easy adjustment and locking of implants, enabling variable height and angular adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable-based or scissor-like tools are used for compression or distraction, then basic functionality is achieved, but the instruments are cumbersome and awkward to use in certain surgical pathologies
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple functional segments: a handle assembly, a ratchet mechanism, and a jaw assembly with teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall instrument easier to operate while maintaining necessary complexity only where required for functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides automatic one-way locking without requiring active engagement by the surgeon. Once force is applied in the compression or distraction direction, the ratchet automatically engages to maintain the force, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or complex locking procedures.
2Measurement precision
If traditional compression or distraction tools are used, then basic tissue manipulation is achieved, but precision and control in specific surgical pathologies are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly features localized teeth with specific geometries designed for particular tissue types and surgical applications. This local customization of the gripping surface provides precise control for specific surgical pathologies while keeping the rest of the instrument simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument allows dynamic adjustment of the jaw opening distance through the ratchet mechanism, enabling precise control over the degree of compression or distraction. The surgeon can incrementally adjust the position and lock it at each step, providing precision without requiring complex measurement or positioning systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If more complex instruments are designed to improve precision, then better tissue manipulation is achieved, but the instruments become more cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated instrument: the handle provides leverage, the ratchet provides locking and incremental adjustment, and the jaw provides controlled gripping force. This consolidation achieves precision tissue manipulation without requiring multiple separate complex instruments or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual force and the tissue. It translates simple manual input into precise, controlled, and maintainable compression or distraction forces, achieving precision without requiring the surgeon to directly control complex mechanisms.
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 precise and efficient compression or distraction of bones, improving surgical outcomes by providing a more intuitive and versatile tool for orthopedic procedures, allowing for better alignment and stabilization of vertebrae.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod connected to arms 32 and 34. In a particular embodiment, arm 32 is fixed with respect to rod 36, and arm 34 is movable with respect to rod 36
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in orthopedic distraction or compression is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiments, two arms are provided that are connected by a rod or bar with a mechanism that enables the arms to be brought toward or away from each other. At the end of each arm, an assembly for connecting to a bone implant is provided. The assemblies are pivotable with respect to the arms, and allow some rotational motion between parts of the assembly so as to accommodate different positions of the bone implants. Once the assemblies are appropriately positioned, connected and locked to the bone implants, the mechanism can be operated to move the arms together in compression or apart in distraction.