Ergonomic handle for an arthroscopic cutter.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

• Meniscectomy procedures are common in orthopedic surgery.
• Current arthroscopic punches have limitations in reachability and handle ergonomics.
• Existing instruments may pose risks of damaging healthy tissue during meniscal resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an improved arthroscopic punch with a side-ways steerable tip.
• To design an ergonomic handle for enhanced instrument control and user comfort.
• To assess the safety and efficiency of the novel instrument in meniscectomy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing meniscectomy procedures to identify areas for improvement.
• Design of a novel punch with a side-ways steerable tip and an ergonomic handle.
• Comparative experiments using a knee joint model with objective and subjective assessments.
• Evaluation of task times and risk of damage to healthy tissue.

Main Results:

• The steerable punch concept demonstrated promising results in improving meniscal tissue reachability.
• Faster task times were achieved compared to conventional instruments without increasing the risk of collateral tissue damage.
• The ergonomic handle design provided intuitive control and improved user comfort.

Conclusions:

• A side-ways steerable arthroscopic punch offers a safer and more efficient approach to meniscectomy.
• The developed ergonomic handle enhances usability and control during arthroscopic procedures.
• Further development is recommended to optimize the instrument tip and force transmission for clinical application.