Designing a prototype device for multidirectional orthopaedic drilling

Abstract

If a medical device, capable of drilling along a proposed curvilinear path in spacewas readily available, it would allow for a more accurate preparation of the femoralcavity preceding the insertion of a hip prosthesis as well as for a controlled reamingof the medullary canal in terms of a tibial reconstruction operation.This study was aimed at ascertaining the feasibility of such a device, throughconceptualising a number of designs for this omnidirectional drilling system, includingtheir theoretical assessment, making and experimental testing. Several tests weredevised and executed with which this prototype was tested.As a result of this research, two working prototypes were designed and manufactured,and the one judged to perform better was tested according to an experimentalregimen also developed through the course of this research. Through these resultsit was confirmed and demonstrated, that it is possible to drill omnidirectional holesinto bone-like materials.The findings detailed in this research may lead to the development of a commercialproduct for the medical industry that are used for lower limb surgeries initially, andfor upper limb procedures subsequently.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Srichand Hinduja (Supervisor) & Robert Heinemann (Supervisor)