Project Details

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Adjustable angle screwdriver for orthopaedic surgery

Company: Penn State College of Medicine 4

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: BME

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Many types of orthopaedic surgery, including joint replacement, fracture repair, and soft tissue reconstructions, involve fixation of screws to bone. In some scenarios, there is limited window of access of the screw driving instrument to the screw head. For example in hip replacement, attachment of the acetabular cup using optimally directed screws is challenging with traditional drivers in some patients due to the cup shape and surrounding soft tissues. The goal of this project is development of a screwdriver device that enables angulation between the axis of torque application and axis of screw rotation. Ideally, the angle could be adjustable for different patients and applications. After understanding the clinical needs, students will design a new surgical device, conduct mechanical analysis, prototype components, and test them.