Zygomatic Elevator Groove and Pivot for Fracture Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for reducing zygomatic arch fractures lack precise control over the location and force application, making the procedure dependent on the surgeon's skill and technique.
Innovation Solution
A surgical elevator device with a groove for tactile feedback and a pivot point for controlled force application, featuring markings for depth measurement and serrations for grip, allowing for precise placement and force direction during fracture reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing techniques (Rowe zygoma elevator, bone hook) are used for fracture reduction, then the procedure can be performed with simple devices, but precise control over location and force application is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator device is segmented into distinct functional components: a blade portion for insertion, a groove for bone engagement, a base for fulcrum placement, and a handle for force application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device precision and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure between the elevator blade and the bone. It provides tactile feedback to the surgeon about bone contact and fracture location, enabling precise control without requiring complex measurement instruments. The groove mediates the interaction between the simple device structure and the precise control requirement.
2Ease of operation
If simple elevator devices are used, then device complexity is low, but tactile control of fracture location and force magnitude is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator device incorporates local quality variations through the groove structure on the blade surface. This localized feature provides enhanced tactile feedback specifically at the bone contact point, allowing the surgeon to feel fracture location and apply controlled force without making the entire device complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure enables the device to provide its own tactile feedback mechanism. As the blade engages the bone, the groove naturally contacts the bone surface and provides tactile information to the surgeon, eliminating the need for additional sensors or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If existing techniques are used, then the procedure is quick to perform, but the success rate depends heavily on surgeon skill
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure provides continuous tactile feedback to the surgeon during the reduction procedure. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of force application and blade positioning, increasing the reliability of fracture reduction success while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is pre-formed on the elevator blade to anticipate the need for tactile feedback. This preliminary structural feature ensures that as soon as the blade contacts the bone, the feedback mechanism is already in place, reducing dependence on surgeon skill and experience.
4Measurement precision
If markings are added to indicate depth of insertion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The markings on the elevator blade use visual indicators (color or pattern changes) to indicate depth of insertion. This simple visual coding system provides precise measurement information without adding mechanical complexity to the device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical elevator device that can be used in the reduction of bone fractures, particularly facial bone fractures, and even more particularly zygomatic arch fractures. The elevator device enables accurate measurement of the depth of insertion of the device into tissue space and provides tactile control of fracture location and reduction. In one embodiment, the elevator device comprises a groove on an elevator element for receiving a bone structure. The groove can be formed by a pair of parallel ridges. A projection extending from the elevator provides a pivot point for applying a controlled force to the bone to reduce the fracture. A preferred embodiment further comprises a method of reducing a bone fracture, such as a zygomatic arch fracture.