Pivoting Implant Extractor for Varied Bone Implant Orientations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools lack an efficient mechanism for extracting implants from bone, particularly in revision surgeries where the implant shape and orientation vary, leading to challenges in securely gripping and removing them.
Innovation Solution
An implant extractor with an elongated body, a first arm, and a pivotably connected second arm featuring a moment arm, along with a force applicator, allows for the application of torque and force to jaws that can be releasably attached to the arms, facilitating secure engagement and extraction of implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing surgical tools are used for implant extraction, then the procedure can be performed, but the tools lack efficient gripping and extraction capabilities for implants with varied shapes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor features a pivotable second arm that can rotate relative to the first arm, allowing the jaws to dynamically adjust their orientation and positioning to accommodate implants of various shapes and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables secure gripping across different implant configurations while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor is divided into functional segments including a first arm, a pivotably connected second arm, and jaws at the distal end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the pivotable connection enabling adaptive positioning of the gripping jaws relative to the implant regardless of its orientation.
2Device complexity
If a simple extraction tool is used, then the device complexity is low, but it lacks the mechanism to apply torque and force effectively for secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor introduces a pivotable connection between the first and second arms, adding a rotational degree of freedom that enables torque application in multiple orientations. This dimensional addition allows the tool to effectively engage and extract implants regardless of their orientation in the bone, providing versatile force application without substantially increasing overall structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-arm extractors are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot adapt to implants with varied orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connection between the first and second arms provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the extractor to adjust its configuration to match the orientation of implants ranging from horizontal to vertical positions. This single pivotable joint enables the tool to effectively engage implants with varied orientations without requiring multiple fixed configurations or complex adjustment 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
The implant extractor provides enhanced gripping and extraction capabilities, enabling effective removal of implants with varied shapes and orientations, thereby simplifying revision surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The second arm includes a moment arm for generating a torque about a distal end of the second arm
Implementation Method 2
A force applicator is operatively connected to the first arm and the moment arm to apply a force to one of the first and second arms
Data Source
AI summary
An implant extractor that includes an elongated body having a proximal end for attachment to an extraction device, a first arm extending from the elongated body, and a second arm pivotably connected to the first arm. The second arm includes a moment arm for generating a torque about a distal end of the second arm. The implant extractor further includes a force applicator operatively connected to the first arm and the moment arm to apply a force to one or more of the first and second arms.