Oscillating Decortication Burr for Controlled Joint Surface Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for removing articular cartilage and subchondral bone in arthritic joints are prone to excess material removal, cause tissue trauma, and require substantial joint manipulation, leading to complications and avoidance of necessary procedures.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating decorticating burr assembly that uses oscillation to remove articular cartilage and subchondral bone, minimizing excess material removal and soft tissue damage while requiring less joint manipulation, with interchangeable burrs of varying sizes and shapes to fit within the joint space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rotary cutting tools are used to remove articular cartilage and subchondral bone, then material removal speed is high, but excess material removal and soft tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies oscillating vibration to the burr assembly, causing it to move back and forth at high frequency. This vibrational motion allows for controlled material removal through micro-fractures and gradual degradation rather than aggressive cutting, thereby reducing excess bone removal and soft tissue damage while maintaining adequate removal speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from continuous rotary cutting to oscillating reciprocating motion. This parameter change transforms the material removal mechanism from sharp cutting to controlled fracturing, achieving a balance between removal efficiency and tissue preservation
2Productivity
If traditional rotary cutting techniques are used, then material removal is achieved, but substantial joint manipulation and distraction are required causing tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating burr assembly requires minimal joint distraction because the vibrational motion enables the burr to effectively remove material with smaller contact forces and less insertion depth, thereby reducing the manipulation and trauma to surrounding joint tissues
3Productivity
If rotary cutting tools with sharp surfaces are used, then efficient cutting occurs, but incidental damage to surrounding soft tissues and practitioner digits occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating burr uses vibrational motion rather than sharp rotary cutting surfaces. The back-and-forth motion creates controlled micro-fractures in the bone and cartilage through impact and fatigue, eliminating the need for extremely sharp edges that could inadvertently damage surrounding soft tissues or practitioner digits
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 oscillating burr assembly allows for controlled and efficient removal of joint material, preserving joint contour and reducing trauma, thus improving surgical outcomes and patient functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillating decorticating burr uses oscillation in lieu of cutting to remove the material.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating decorticating burr assembly for decortication of the articular surfaces of joints of the human body is disclosed. The oscillating decorticating burr assembly comprises a burr, a burr-support post, and a handle. Power is imparted to the assembly by way of a user input on the handle causing oscillation of the burr.