The design of an in-vivo rotator cuff measuring tool

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Kathleen Bieryla, Katie Fronczak, Martha Loehr, Eric Rainis

University of PittsburghSenior Design - BioE1160

Arthrometric, Inc.

Background

• Shoulder is the most injured joint in the body

• Rotator cuff tears are the most common shoulder injury

• Preferred method is arthroscopic surgery

Overview- Problem

• Surgical methods dependent upon tear dimensions

• Currently there is no tool available to measure these dimensions

Humerus

Scapula

Overview- Proposed Solution• The Arthromeasure is a one-handed tool for

surgeons to use during arthroscopic surgery in order to measure the extent of rotator cuff tears

• Provides accuracy as specified by the user

• Allows for correct repair techniques to be utilized

Project Goals

• The ultimate goal is to create a tool to meet surgeons’ needs

• High-level timing goals for 2004• February—Initial prototype • March—Cadaveric testing• April—Final product and grant

proposal

Description

Diameter = 6 mm

Length = 25 cm

Features & Benefits

• Convenient moving mechanism on the handle

• Provides desired accuracy• a: +/- 1 cm• b: +/- 5 mm

• Gives surgeon an easy way to determine the best method of repair

Design Alternatives

• Digital output

• Disposable

• Push-button locking mechanism

• Dual wire design

• Caliper design

Competitive Analysis

• Currently, no tool is available• A hook of known distance 3mm is

used to estimate tear

• Strengths

• More accurate

• Tool specific for the problem

• Easy to use

Technology

• Solidworks: Solid modeling and structural analysis

• Swanson Center: Rapid prototyping process

• Arthroscopic system

Team/Resources• MSRC

• Patrick McMahon M.D.• Richard Debski Ph.D• Lab and equipment

• Swanson Center• Rapid prototyping process

• Bioengineering Department• Funding

• Limitations• Availability of materials

Schedule

Team Responsibilities

Scheduling & external relations Quality systems

SolidWorks design

Physical testing

Structural testing

Testing protocols

Katie B

.

Katie F

.

Martha

Eric

Current Status

• Met with surgeon• Understood problem

• Initial SolidWorks model

• Initial design history file

• Established a working plan

Acknowledgements

• Dr. Patrick McMahon

• Dr. Richard Debski

• MSRC

• Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh