Tilting Surgical Reamer for Greater Trochanter-Preserving Bone Reaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenging to prepare the intramedullary canal for revision implants in hip and shoulder surgeries without sacrificing the medial wall of the greater trochanter, which is not desirable.
Innovation Solution
A surgical reamer with a distal and proximal part, allowing a two-stage reaming process where the distal part reams the intramedullary canal and the proximal part can be tilted and mounted on the distal part for lateral reaming, matching the shape of the implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single reamer is used to prepare the intramedullary canal for revision implants, then the reaming process can be completed in one stage, but the medial wall of the greater trochanter must be sacrificed which is not desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The reaming process is divided into two distinct stages using separate reamer components: a distal reamer for preparing the intramedullary canal and a proximal reamer for preparing the greater trochanter region. This segmentation allows each reamer to be optimized for its specific function and enables selective engagement to preserve the medial wall of the greater trochanter when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal reamer is designed with the capability to tilt relative to the distal reamer through a tilting mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the reaming angle. This dynamic positioning enables the proximal reamer to access the greater trochanter region at appropriate angles while the distal reamer maintains its position in the intramedullary canal, thus avoiding unnecessary damage to the medial wall.
2Device complexity
If the proximal part is made fixed relative to the distal part, then the reamer structure is simpler, but the reamer cannot adapt to different bone shapes and implant requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the proximal and distal reamer parts incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows the proximal part to rotate or tilt relative to the distal part around a pivot point. This dynamic capability enables the reamer to adapt to various bone geometries and implant orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be implemented using standard mechanical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal reamer part is designed to nest within or attach to the distal reamer part, with the proximal part containing a cavity that receives the distal part. This nested configuration allows the tilting mechanism to operate within a compact form factor, providing adaptability without excessive structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the proximal part cannot be tilted, then the reamer is easier to manufacture and operate, but lateral reaming of the greater trochanter is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
A tilting mechanism is incorporated at the interface between the proximal and distal reamer parts, allowing the proximal part to tilt laterally relative to the distal part. This mechanical tilt capability enables lateral reaming of the greater trochanter while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes using conventional machining and assembly techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the proximal and distal reamer parts, providing the necessary lateral movement capability. This intermediary joint allows independent rotation of the proximal part while maintaining the structural integrity and ease of manufacture of both individual reamer components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical reamer and a method of reaming a bone using a surgical reamer. The reamer has a distal part comprising a proximal end coupleable to a surgical rotational driver; a distal end; a rotational axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; and a cutting surface located between the proximal end and the distal end. The reamer also has a proximal part comprising a proximal end coupleable to a surgical rotational driver; a distal end; a rotational axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a cutting surface located between the proximal end and the distal end; and a cavity extending proximally from the distal end for receiving the proximal end of the distal part. An inner surface of the cavity is shaped to allow the proximal part to be tilted with respect to the distal part during rotation of the proximal part.