Disposable Orthopedic Handle with Integrated Bone Sizing Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for radial head replacement require multiple instrument sets and remote sizing devices, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the complexity of determining the appropriate implant size for the radial head during elbow joint reconstruction or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A disposable orthopedic handle with a plurality of sizing cavities and a working shaft that includes sounders of different cross-sectional dimensions to determine the size of the resected bone, allowing for precise selection of trial and final radial implants, and a planarizer to prepare the bone surface for implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple instrument sets and remote sizing devices are used for radial head replacement, then the completeness of sizing tools is improved, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate sizing devices and instrument sets into a single integrated handle assembly. The handle includes multiple sounders with different cross-sectional dimensions that can be selectively attached to the same handle body, eliminating the need for multiple separate instrument sets. This merging maintains comprehensive sizing capability while reducing device complexity and surgical workflow complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different sounders with varying cross-sectional dimensions. The handle body includes a standardized connection interface that allows selective attachment of different sized sounders, making a single handle multi-functional for determining different implant sizes. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized instrument sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instrument sets are used for radial head sizing, then the completeness of sizing options is improved, but the surgical time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sounders are designed to be selectively attachable and detachable from the handle body, allowing dynamic reconfiguration during surgery. The surgeon can quickly change between different sized sounders by simply detaching one and attaching another, rather than switching between entirely different instrument sets. This dynamic design maintains versatility while improving surgical efficiency through faster tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sounders with different cross-sectional dimensions are prepared in advance and can be quickly exchanged on the handle. The preliminary preparation of various sized sounders allows the surgeon to efficiently determine the correct implant size without needing to search for or assemble multiple separate instrument sets during the procedure, thereby improving surgical productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable handles are used instead of sterilizable metal handles, then the manufacturing and sterilization costs are reduced, but the reusability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed as a disposable component made from cost-effective materials that can be manufactured more cheaply than sterilizable metal handles. The disposable nature eliminates expensive sterilization processes and allows for simpler manufacturing. While the handle is not reusable, the cost savings from eliminated sterilization and simplified manufacturing offset the loss of reusability, particularly when considering the single-use nature of many surgical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-use handle is configured to attach to a working shaft that can support a sounder for measuring the medullary canal of a proximal radius, and a planarizer that is configured to planarize a proximal edge of the proximal radius after the proximal radius has been resected. The handle can further include a plurality of sizing cavities that are configured to receive the resected bone so as to determine the size of the resected bone. The handle can further include an ejector that is configured to decouple the planarizer from the working shaft.