Surgical Limb Positioning Apparatus with Actuated Traction Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning apparatuses for lower limb positioning in orthopaedic surgery, particularly during hip replacement operations using the anterior minimally invasive surgery (AMIS) technique, require additional personnel for operation, are not optimally designed for the technique, and complicate surgeon coordination, leading to increased costs and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus with a distal traction arm constrained to a surgical table, adjustable support framework, and actuators for precise control of traction, rotation, and flexion/extension, allowing the surgeon to maneuver the apparatus independently, including pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical actuators, and a control unit with a pedal interface for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If positioning apparatuses from prior art are used, then the lower limb can be positioned during surgery, but additional personnel are required to operate the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is designed to be self-operating through automated actuators (pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric) that can be controlled by the surgeon via foot pedals or control unit, eliminating the need for additional personnel to manually position the limb while maintaining full positioning capability
2Reliability
If positioning apparatuses from prior art are used, then the lower limb can be positioned, but the apparatus are not specifically designed for AMIS technique leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus incorporates features specifically tailored for AMIS technique including a traction arm with specific geometry and range of motion constraints, adjustable support framework positioned for anterior approach access, and coupling mechanisms designed for the specific manipulation sequence required in AMIS hip replacement surgery
3Ease of operation
If positioning apparatuses from prior art are used, then the lower limb can be positioned, but the surgeon must coordinate with additional personnel complicating the intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables the surgeon to independently control all positioning functions through foot pedal controls or handheld control unit, eliminating the need for coordination with dedicated operators and allowing the surgeon to maintain full control of both the positioning apparatus and surgical procedure
4Ease of operation
If additional personnel are required to operate the positioning apparatus, then the apparatus can be maneuvered, but intervention costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated positioning system with surgeon-controlled actuators eliminates the need for dedicated apparatus operators, reducing personnel requirements and associated costs while maintaining complete maneuverability and positioning capability through surgeon-operated controls
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 the surgeon to perform precise and efficient lower limb positioning during AMIS procedures without additional personnel, optimizing the technique-specific requirements and reducing intervention costs by allowing single-person operation with enhanced precision and control.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is preferably an actuator cylinder of the pneumatic type
Implementation Method 2
it can also be an actuator cylinder of the hydraulic type
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (20') for positioning the lower limb of a patient (500) during operation, in particular for hip replacement operations with anterior approach, comprising: a traction arm (30') with at least a distal portion (34', 36') defining a traction axis (x'); a support framework (40') coupled to said traction arm (30') so as to allow the adjustment of the position of one of its distal ends (32'); a coupling (60') constrained to said traction arm (30') and arranged to be associated to the distal end of the lower limb of the patient (500); at least a first actuator (34') which defines with its action a relative movement of the coupling (60') with respect to the traction arm (30'), at least a component of said relative movement being parallel to the traction axis (x').