Prosthetic Component Extractor Hook and Striking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing failed orthopedic implants are invasive, require excessive surgical dissection, and lack the necessary 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 featuring straight and curved segments, a hook with a channel to engage the implant, and offset striking surfaces to efficiently transmit kinetic energy and facilitate less invasive removal of implants from the intramedullary cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current extraction tools are used, then the implant can be removed, but the surgical dissection must be enlarged and operative time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidoperative time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device is divided into multiple functional segments: a hook segment for engaging the implant, an elongated member for force transmission, and striking surfaces for applying impact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling effective implant removal through a more efficient, less time-consuming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with pre-configured features including the hook engagement mechanism and positioned striking surfaces that prepare the system for effective force application before the actual extraction begins. This preliminary arrangement of functional elements enables faster, more efficient extraction operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If current extraction tools are used, then the implant can be removed, but tissue and bone damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidtissue and bone damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device concentrates extraction force at specific localized points through the hook engagement and striking surfaces, rather than applying force broadly. This localized force application breaks the implant-bone bond at critical points while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and bone structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The curved segments in the device design allow for smoother force transmission and distribution, reducing stress concentrations that could cause unwanted bone damage. The curved geometry enables more controlled interaction with the implant and surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If retrograde disimpaction is used, then the implant can be removed, but excessive bone removal is required and force is lost through inferior angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidbone removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using retrograde disimpaction (removing from distal to proximal), the device employs antegrade engagement where the hook attaches to the proximal implant surface and force is applied through the elongated member. This inverted approach allows force to be transmitted directly along the implant shaft, eliminating the need for excessive bone removal and preventing force loss through inferior angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Productivity

If screw holes are used for extraction, then the implant can be removed, but the holes are inaccessible during extraction phase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidaccessibility of extraction interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device creates a new operational dimension by using the elongated member as a force transmission shaft that can be inserted through the implant from the proximal end. This allows the extraction interface to be accessed from a different spatial dimension (proximal end rather than through inaccessible screw holes), enabling effective force application without requiring access to buried screw holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 efficient, less invasive extraction of orthopedic implants with minimal tissue and bone damage, reducing operative time and improving patient recovery by effectively disrupting the implant/bone interface.

Implementation Method 1

offset striking surfaces to efficiently transmit kinetic energy and facilitate less invasive removal of implants from the intramedullary cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy transmission: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11382766B2Prosthetic component extractor

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 ALDEN KRIS

AI summary

The present device described herein is intended to effect the removal of an intramedullary component of an orthopaedic prosthetic implant. The extraction device utilizes a hook which can be secured to the implant, particularly the neck of a femoral prosthetic component. The hook is attached to an elongated member that contains two striking surfaces. A force applied to the striking surface(s) is transmitted to the prosthesis so as to extract the implant from the intramedullary cavity of a bone.