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Published on: May 11, 2020
Automated surgical screwdriver: automated screw placement
R L Thomas1, K Bouazza-Marouf, G J S Taylor
1The Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK. rolfthomasemail@googlemail.com
Summary
This study introduces a mechatronic screwdriver to prevent screw over-tightening during surgical procedures. The automated system effectively controlled torque, reducing insertion torque to 35% of stripping torque in sheep tibia models.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Surgical instrumentation
Background:
- Power tools are increasingly used for screw insertion in surgery, enhancing precision.
- Over-tightening screws with power tools poses a risk, potentially leading to stripping.
- Current methods rely on surgeon's visual and tactile feedback to prevent over-tightening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a mechatronic screwdriver system for controlled tapping depth and screw insertion.
- To prevent over-tightening of screws during surgical plate fixation.
- To investigate torque profiles during screw insertion in synthetic and biological bone models.
Main Methods:
- Investigated torque profiles using a mechatronic screwdriver in synthetic bone and sheep tibia.
- Developed an automated system to prevent over-tightening of pre-tapped and self-tapping screws.
- Tested the system for attaching a surgical plate to a sheep tibia in vitro.
Main Results:
- The mechatronic system successfully controlled tapping depth and prevented over-tightening.
- Screws inserted with the automated system achieved a mean torque of 35% of the stripping torque.
- The system demonstrated effectiveness in a simulated surgical scenario.
Conclusions:
- A mechatronic screwdriver offers a reliable method for preventing screw over-tightening in orthopedic surgery.
- Automated torque control enhances surgical precision and reduces the risk of complications.
- This technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes in procedures involving screw fixation.
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