Prosthetic Extractor Hook Mechanism for Minimizing Bone Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing failed orthopedic prosthetics from bones are invasive, require excessive surgical dissection, and often fail to generate sufficient force to break the bond between the implant and bone, leading to longer operative times, tissue damage, and prolonged recovery for patients.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic implant extraction device with an elongated member and a hook mechanism that includes a channel to engage the surgical implant, allowing for efficient transmission of kinetic energy to disrupt the implant/bone interface, facilitating less invasive surgical techniques and minimizing tissue and bone damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional extraction tools are used, then the implant can be removed, but the surgical dissection is enlarged and operative time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is divided into multiple functional segments: a handle portion for manual operation, a shaft for force transmission, and a specialized extraction tip with varying geometries (e.g., curved blades, hooks, or countersinking surfaces) tailored to different implant types. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall tissue damage and operative time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to extract the implant through the original insertion site with minimal disruption, the device approaches the implant from the opposite direction or uses a reversed extraction mechanism. For example, the extraction tip may have a curved blade that countersinks into the implant from the distal end, or a hook that engages from the proximal end, effectively inverting the traditional extraction approach to reduce soft tissue damage.
2Force
If current extraction techniques are used, then the implant can be removed, but excessive force is required breaking the implant/bone bond
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tip incorporates locally optimized features such as countersinking surfaces with specific angles, curved blades positioned at precise locations, or reinforced hooks at critical engagement points. These localized quality enhancements concentrate the extraction force at optimal points on the implant-bone interface, reducing the overall force required and minimizing damage to surrounding bone and soft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device incorporates curved or spherical surfaces in its tip design, such as a countersinking blade with a rounded leading edge or a curved extraction surface that matches the contour of the implant. This curvature allows for smoother force application and better engagement with the implant geometry, reducing peak stresses and preventing bone damage while maintaining sufficient extraction force.
3Ease of operation
If osteotomy is performed to facilitate removal, then the implant can be removed, but the procedure becomes more invasive and recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the surgeon and the implanted component. The specialized extraction tip engages with the implant through existing access points or minimal incisions, providing mechanical leverage and force transmission without requiring osteotomy. This intermediary mechanism allows for implant removal through less invasive means, preserving bone stock and reducing soft tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the need for osteotomy (bone cutting) with a mechanical extraction system. The extraction tip uses controlled mechanical forces applied through a shaft and handle mechanism to disengage the implant from bone without requiring bone removal. This substitution of mechanical extraction for surgical bone cutting reduces invasiveness and eliminates the need for subsequent osteotomy healing periods.
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 device enables efficient and less invasive removal of orthopedic implants with minimal physical effort and tissue damage, optimizing revision joint replacement procedures by effectively breaking the implant/bone bond, thus reducing recovery time and complications.
Implementation Method 1
A prosthetic implant extraction device with an elongated member and a hook mechanism that includes a channel to engage the surgical implant, allowing for efficient transmission of kinetic energy to disrupt the implant/bone interface
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device, comprises an elongated member having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A handle is coupled to the elongated member at the first end portion and defines a first striking surface. A second striking surface is coupled to the elongated member between the first end and the second end as a protrusion extending away from the elongated member. A hook is coupled to the second end portion and defines a channel sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a surgical implant.