Radiolucent Self-Retaining Orthopedic Retract
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retraction systems for procedures like distal radius fracture repair are inefficient due to the need for manual handling and the challenge of stabilizing joints amidst numerous surrounding anatomical structures, which can lead to complications during imaging and tissue manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing retractor system comprising a backing plate and soft tissue retractors with a guide and connector, allowing for secure anchoring to the bone and elastic tie attachment, enabling efficient tissue retraction and stabilization without manual handling, and being radiolucent for clear imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual retractors are used, then tissue retraction can be achieved, but the surgeon must manually hold and repeatedly insert/remove the retractors, increasing procedure time and radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is designed to be self-retaining through a locking mechanism that engages with the bone once inserted. The retractor automatically maintains its position without requiring continuous manual holding, allowing the surgeon to perform other tasks while the retractor remains in place throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is inserted and locked into position before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for repeated insertion and removal during imaging and other surgical steps, reducing overall procedure time and radiation exposure.
2Ease of operation
If manual retractors are used, then tissue manipulation is possible, but repeated insertion and removal causes increased radiation exposure to the surgeon and assistant
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retaining locking mechanism allows the retractor to maintain position autonomously during the entire surgical procedure, including all imaging steps. This eliminates repeated manual insertion and removal, thereby reducing radiation exposure to the surgical team while maintaining effective tissue manipulation capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional retractors are used, then tissue retraction is achieved, but the joint cannot be stabilized during imaging and surgical steps
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is inserted and locked into the bone before imaging and surgical steps begin. This preliminary stabilization ensures the joint remains in the correct anatomical position throughout the procedure, preventing displacement during X-ray imaging and other surgical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides automatic stabilization of the joint by engaging with the bone structure. The retractor maintains the stabilized position without requiring continuous manual adjustment, ensuring consistent anatomical orientation during imaging and surgical steps.
4Strength
If metallic retractors are used, then structural strength is achieved, but imaging of the fracture and hardware is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor material is changed from metallic to radiolucent polymer, fundamentally altering the material's interaction with X-rays. This parameter change allows the retractor to maintain structural strength while becoming transparent to radiation, enabling clear imaging of the fracture and hardware without obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a stabilizing retractor system for orthopedic fracture repair. A backing plate is configured to support the back of a wrist or ankle. At least a first soft tissue retractor includes a first support body having a first bone engaging concavity on a first side of the body on a distal portion of the body, configured to engage a first side of a bone. A first soft tissue retracting surface is provided on a second side of the body, proximal to the bone engaging concavity. A second soft tissue retractor may be provided for engaging a second side of the bone. The retractors may be pinned to the bone, and may be radiolucent.