Tibial Insert Holder With Pressure Fit for Knee Implant Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee replacement surgery methods for inserting poly tibial inserts are manual, time-consuming, prone to damage the insert and cause bone fractures, and require longer anesthesia time due to the use of metal tools that apply uneven forces, increasing surgical risks and costs.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with an arcuate convex shape and pressure fit mechanism to securely hold and position the insert, reducing stress on the tibia and femur by evenly distributing forces during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual insertion with metal tools is used to seat the poly tibial insert, then the insert can be inserted into place, but the insertion process becomes time-consuming (30 minutes or more) and the metal tools can scratch or damage the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal tools entirely from the insertion process. Instead of using metal instruments to seat the poly tibial insert, the surgeon performs manual insertion using only hands, eliminating the risk of metal-induced damage while reducing surgical time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plastic or polymer-tipped seating instrument as an intermediary between the surgeon's hand and the poly insert. This intermediary component allows for controlled insertion without direct metal-to-poly contact, preventing scratches and damage while maintaining insertion effectiveness
2Reliability
If metal tools are used to force the insert into place, then the insert can be seated, but the tools apply uneven forces that can cause bone fractures of the natural knee portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates metal seating tools that concentrate force on small contact areas. By removing these tools, the method prevents the application of uneven, high-stress forces that could fracture bone, while still achieving proper insert seating through controlled manual pressure distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies force distribution principles by using the palm and fingers to spread pressure across a larger area of the insert and surrounding structures. This local quality change from point-contact metal tools to area-contact manual pressure reduces stress concentrations that could cause bone fractures
3Productivity
If manual insertion without specialized tools is used, then the surgical time is reduced, but the handling and placement of the insert becomes less controlled and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a plastic seating instrument or polymer-tipped tool as an intermediary that enhances manual handling control. This intermediary provides a secure grip on the poly insert, enabling precise placement and controlled seating without the need for time-consuming manual manipulation, thus improving both efficiency and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the seating instrument from metal to plastic or polymer. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity and control needed for reliable insert handling while reducing friction and adhesion issues that can complicate manual insertion, thereby improving surgical efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present apparatus is a tool that holds and positions the tibial insert to improve the process of inserting the insert during a knee replacement operation. The apparatus comprises an arcuate convex shape that receives and holds the insert in place. The apparatus can be attached to a handle to provide greater ease of use, more reliable handling, and easier placement. The apparatus is made to have a pressure fit on the insert to firmly hold it in place, while still allowing it to be pulled off after the insert has been placed.