High Tibial Osteotomy Spreader With Segmented Swinging Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spreaders for high tibial osteotomy interfere with implant insertion and fail to maintain the cut in an open state, making it difficult to insert bone or artificial implants during the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A spreader with two pairs of swinging members connected by hinge parts and opening/closing mechanisms that allow for controlled opening and closing of the cut, distributing pressure to prevent damage and facilitating implant insertion by maintaining the cut in an open state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional spreader is used to open the cut, then the cut can be opened, but the spreader interferes with implant insertion and cannot maintain the cut in an open state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut opening capabilityVSAvoidimplant insertion facilitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader is divided into two pairs of swinging members that can be independently operated. One pair can be closed and removed while the other pair remains open to maintain the cut space, allowing implant insertion without interference from the spreader structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The swinging members are designed to be dynamically adjustable between open and closed states through opening/closing mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the spreader to transition from maintaining the cut open to being removed after implant insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spreader is removed from the cut during insertion, then implant insertion becomes possible, but the cut closes and makes insertion difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant insertion accessVSAvoidcut retention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The two pairs of swinging members can be independently controlled, allowing one pair to be closed and removed while the other pair remains in place to maintain the cut in an open state for implant insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the cut is opened with a conventional spreader, then the cut opens, but the contact pressure on cut faces is concentrated and may damage the bone surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut opening capabilityVSAvoidbone surface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting force is distributed across two pairs of swinging members instead of a single concentrated point, spreading the contact pressure over a larger area of the cut faces to prevent bone surface damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The swinging members can be dynamically adjusted to optimize contact distribution with the cut faces, ensuring even pressure distribution during the opening process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the secure insertion of implants by maintaining the cut open without damaging the bone surfaces, reducing contact pressure and allowing for efficient implant placement.

Implementation Method 1

two pairs of swinging members which are respectively connected in a relatively swingable manner by hinge parts disposed at the distal end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

two opening/closing mechanisms which open/close these two pairs of swinging members respectively about the axes of the hinge parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

since the cut faces of the cut are pressed in wide areas by the two pairs of assembled swinging members, the contact pressure on the cut faces can be distributedly reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP2036509B1Spreader for high tibial osteotomy
Publication Date: 2014.09.24 OLYMPUS TERUMO BIOMATERIALS CORP
  • EP2036509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2036509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2036509B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To facilitate insertion of an implant while retaining a cut in an opened state. There is provided a spreader 1 for high tibial osteotomy to be inserted into a cut made in the deformed femur or tibia of a patient with knee osteoarthritis, and to open the cut so as to make a space that allows insertion of an implant, comprising: two pairs of swinging members 2a/2b and 3a/3b which are respectively connected in a relatively swingable manner by hinge parts 6 and 7 disposed at the distal end; and two opening/closing mechanisms 4 and 5 which open/close these two pairs of swinging members 2a/2b and 3a/3b respectively about the axes of the hinge parts 6 and 7, wherein the two pairs of swinging members 2a/2b and 3a/3b are detachably assembled in the axial directions of the hinge parts 6 and 7.