Reversible Compressor-Distractor for Bone Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for bone realignment, such as those used to correct bunion deformities, often require separate devices for left and right feet, leading to increased complexity and cost, and there is a risk of using the wrong device for the specific procedure.
Innovation Solution
A reversible compressor-distractor device that can be used in multiple orientations, featuring engagement arms with angled pin-receiving holes, allowing it to be flipped and used interchangeably on both feet, reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing the risk of incorrect usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate compressor-distractor devices are provided for left and right feet, then the device can be specifically configured for each foot's anatomical attributes, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor-distractor device is designed with symmetrical engagement arms that can be oriented in multiple positions, allowing a single device to function for both left and right feet. The engagement arms can be rotated to different orientations to match the anatomical requirements of either foot, eliminating the need for separate left-specific and right-specific devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable engagement arms that can be dynamically repositioned between different orientations. This dynamic capability allows the same physical device to adapt to different anatomical configurations (left vs. right foot) by simply changing the orientation of the engagement arms, rather than requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.
2Reliability
If multiple compressor-distractor devices are maintained in inventory for different feet, then the correct device can be provided for each procedure, but the cost and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single compressor-distractor device can serve both left and right foot procedures by allowing the engagement arms to be oriented appropriately for each foot type. This universal design reduces the inventory from multiple foot-specific devices to a single multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional capabilities of what would traditionally require separate left-foot and right-foot devices are merged into a single device. The engagement arms can be configured to perform the same anatomical correction functions for either foot, combining multiple device functions into one physical unit.
3Device complexity
If a single reversible compressor-distractor is used for both feet, then the inventory and complexity are reduced, but the device must accommodate different anatomical orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement arms are designed to be dynamically repositionable, allowing the device to adapt to different anatomical orientations required for left and right feet. The arms can be rotated and locked into appropriate positions to match the specific foot anatomy being treated.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes asymmetrical engagement arm configurations that can be oriented in mirror-image positions to accommodate the natural asymmetry between left and right feet. By allowing the engagement arms to be positioned asymmetrically relative to the device body, the single device can properly engage with either foot's anatomical structure.
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 reversible compressor-distractor enables efficient and accurate bone realignment by applying corrective forces to misaligned bones, facilitating both distraction and compression, thereby simplifying surgical procedures and reducing inventory needs.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second engagement arms of the compressor-distractor may be movably connected to each other via a threaded rod. Rotation of an actuator knob attached to the threaded rod can cause the first and second engagement arms to move relative to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible compressor-distractor device may be used during a surgical procedure, such as a surgical procedure to correct a bunion deformity. In some examples, the reversible compressor-distractor is configured to be interchangeably used on right and left feet by reversing the orientation of the compressor-distractor. For example, the compressor-distractor may include a first engagement arm having at least two oppositely orientated pin-receiving holes on different sides of the engagement arm. The compressor-distractor may also include a second engagement arm having at least one pin-receiving hole. In use, the clinician can select an orientation of the compressor-distractor and engage pin-receiving holes associated with the selected orientation.