Tibial Prosthesis Extractor With Guided Slap-Hammer Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Primary and revision tibial prostheses are difficult to remove during knee arthroplasty procedures, often leading to damage to the tibia due to improper extraction techniques, and existing tools like slap hammers require multiple specific sizes, increasing surgical complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An extractor with a multi-point engagement mechanism that can be adjusted to fit various tibial prosthesis sizes, using a fastener to couple with the prosthesis and guide a slap hammer for safe and efficient removal, reducing the risk of tibial damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a slap hammer is used for extraction, then the prosthesis can be removed, but the threads and tibia can be damaged if not utilized at a proper angle
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor serves as an intermediary device between the slap hammer and the tibial prosthesis. It provides a controlled interface that guides the hammer blows and distributes forces, preventing direct damage to the threads and tibia while enabling effective extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor is designed as a single-use, disposable tool that can be discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for expensive, precision-maintained reusable extractors while ensuring that each extraction is performed with a fresh, undamaged tool that cannot have been previously misused.
2Reliability
If multiple specific sizes of extractors are used for different prosthesis sizes, then each prosthesis can be properly extracted, but surgical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor is designed with universal features including a slot that receives various fastener sizes and a coupling mechanism that adapts to different prosthesis dimensions. This single multi-functional tool can extract all standard sizes of tibial prostheses, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific extractors and reducing surgical complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple specific sizes of extractors are used, then proper extraction is achieved, but the number of parts and surgical cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor consolidates multiple functions into a single tool that can handle all standard prosthesis sizes through its adaptive slot and coupling mechanism design, reducing the quantity of parts from multiple size-specific extractors to just one universal extractor.
4Device complexity
If a single extractor is used for all prosthesis sizes, then parts and cost are reduced, but engagement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor features localized engagement zones including a slot for fastener reception and a coupling mechanism with adaptive geometry. These localized features are designed to precisely engage with corresponding features on different prosthesis sizes, maintaining engagement precision despite the universal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to different prosthesis dimensions during engagement. The slot and coupling features can adjust their effective engagement geometry based on the specific prosthesis size, maintaining precision across varying dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example, an extractor may include a main body and a coupling mechanism. The main body can include a slot configured to receive a fastener that couples the extractor to the tibial prosthesis, a groove extending to a lateral side and a medial side of the slot and a projection at least partially defining a side wall of the groove. The coupling mechanism can be connected to the main body and configured to connect with an instrument.