Pediatric Headrest With Adjustable Skull Pins for Low-Pressure Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pin fixation skull clamps are not suitable for pediatric patients due to the thin and elastic nature of their skulls, as they may deform or cause fractures, and existing methods are risky for young children.
Innovation Solution
A pediatric headrest with a horseshoe-shaped gel padded support and adjustable skull pins that provide lateral discrete pressure, allowing for adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning to minimize pressure on the skull during neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional pin fixation skull clamps are used for pediatric patients, then rigid stabilization is achieved, but the skull may be deformed, penetrated, or suffer compressive fractures due to the thin and elastic nature of pediatric skulls
Solution Approach 1:
A padded support structure is introduced as an intermediary between the skull and the fixation system. The padding distributes pressure across a larger area of the skull, preventing localized deformation and fracture while still providing sufficient stabilization for surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the pressure distribution parameters by using a padded surface instead of direct pin contact. This transforms concentrated point loads into distributed area loads, reducing the stress intensity on the thin pediatric skull while maintaining overall stabilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pin fixation is used to hold the child's head sufficiently stable, then rigid fixation is achieved, but the force required may penetrate the inner table or cause compressive fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into multiple components: a padded support surface for weight bearing, adjustable arcuate base members, and positioning subassemblies. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be distributed across multiple elements rather than concentrated in single high-stress pin contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate base members are made adjustable to accommodate different skull sizes and shapes. The positioning subassemblies can be adjusted to optimize the distribution of stabilization forces, adapting the system to the specific anatomical parameters of each pediatric patient.
Data Source
AI summary
A pediatric headrest for skull stabilization and a method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a horseshoe shaped head support includes first and second wings pivotally coupled to a body to adjust the angle therebetween. A gel pad is superposed on the horseshoe shaped head support. First and second arcuate base members are coupled to the first and second wings, respectively, to accept a plurality of placement subassemblies, which are circumferentially adjustably positioned and secured within the channels. Each placement subassembly is configured to receive a skull pin and provide adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning of the skull pin with respect to the arcuate base.