Surgical Distractor Device Threaded Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distraction devices for joint distraction, particularly in surgical procedures like arthroplasty, are cumbersome, time-consuming to set up, and pose risks of neurological and perineal skin lesions due to long traction times, with a steep learning curve and complex construction.
Innovation Solution
A distractor device with separable arm-guiding and drive functions, utilizing a threaded rod for simplified operation, allowing for robust and quick setup, adjustment, and reduced risk of complications by avoiding traction tables, featuring orthogonal distractor arms and fixation elements with rotational freedom for precise force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional distraction devices are used with traction tables, then joint distraction can be achieved, but neurological and perineal skin lesions occur due to long traction times
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the distraction function from the traditional traction table system and integrates it directly into the distractor device itself. The distractor device includes a driving element with a threaded rod and nut mechanism that enables the distractor arms to move apart and pull the bones away from each other, eliminating the need for external traction tables and their associated harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical system of traction tables with a simplified threaded rod and nut mechanism. The driving element comprises a threaded rod that can be rotated to move a nut, which in turn moves the distractor arms apart. This mechanical substitution reduces complexity while maintaining the essential distraction function
2Reliability
If traditional distraction devices are used, then joint distraction is possible, but the devices are cumbersome and time-consuming to set up and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the distractor device into distinct functional components: distractor arms for bone attachment, a guiding element for arm movement, and a driving element with threaded rod and nut for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quick assembly and adjustment during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the threaded rod mechanism that allows the distance between distractor arms to be easily modified during surgery. The rotatable driving element enables real-time adjustment of distraction force and arm separation, making the device adaptable to different surgical requirements without time-consuming reconfiguration
3Reliability
If traditional distraction devices are used, then joint distraction can be performed, but the construction and manufacture are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the distractor into modular segments (distractor arms, guiding element, driving element) that can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced independently with fewer tolerances and then connected through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding element serves multiple functions: it guides the movement of distractor arms, provides structural support, and acts as a reference for the threaded rod mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining reliable distraction performance
4Reliability
If traditional distraction devices are used, then joint distraction is possible, but the learning curve is steep for surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod and nut mechanism is designed to be self-explanatory and intuitively operated. The surgeon simply rotates the driving element to advance or retract the distractor arms, with the threaded mechanism automatically providing controlled movement. This self-service design eliminates complex control systems and reduces the learning curve while maintaining precise control over distraction forces
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 and controlled joint distraction with reduced risk of neurological and perineal complications, allowing for precise surgical interventions similar to open surgery without time pressure, and minimizing unnecessary forces on other joints.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal guiding or runner element (3), and a longitudinal driving element (5), such as a threaded rod, which may be arranged substantially parallel to the guiding element (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
A distractor device (1) is described which comprises a longitudinal guiding element (3), and a longitudinal driving element (5), such as a threaded rod (5), which may be arranged substantially parallel to the guiding element (3) such that the threaded rod (5) may rotate about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guiding element (3). A first distractor arm (7) and a second distractor arm (9) are arranged extending along a first resp. second lateral axis from the guiding element (3), the first and second lateral axes being substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guiding element (3), and the first and second distractor arms (7, 9) being captively displacable along the guiding element (3), such that the first and second distractor arms (7, 9) are displaceable away from each other by rotating the threaded rod (5) in a first rotational direction, and towards each other by rotating the threaded rod (5) in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction.