This is an interdisciplinary research project in which the methods of Industrial and
Product Design Engineering are focused upon a problem in Orthopaedics.
One of the most controversial areas in Orthopaedics is the reconstruction of the anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL). The current twin-instrument method for locating the ACL is
difficult for surgeons with fewer than 500 surgical experiences. This was clearly
demonstrated by Kohn, Busche and Cans (1995), and confirmed by Sommer,
Friederich and Muller (2000), Sudhahar, Glasgow and Donell (2004), and Kuga,
Yasuda, Hata et al. (2004). The above research indicates that the problem is not only
one of anatomical location, but of how the operation takes place. The aim of the
research was, therefore, to develop a new and improved surgical instrument and
technique for locating the ACL anatomical landmarks.
The research described in this thesis employs a number of design methods that can be
used separately or in combination (hybrid process). They form the theory base that
guides the design process. This allows the designer to engage in a flexible process that is
effective in finding design solutions to the problem. Within this process, iterative case
studies were employed in order to design a new surgical device for ACL reconstruction.
The thesis describes a series of designed devices (case studies) that were iteratively
developed and surgically tested, leading to a penultimate device. This latter device was
tested via a number of surgical operations. The device provides a new method for
externally locating the internal ACL attachment points.
The research has resulted in a commercial association with Smith and Nephew Surgical
Australia and BrainLAB AG Germany for the commercialisation of this technique. At
the time of writing, the next stage of research and development is under way. This is
using a frameless computer-aided image guidance system in the place of X-ray.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/216598 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Mayson, Scott Anthony, na. |
| Publisher | Swinburne University of Technology. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://www.swin.edu.au/), Copyright Scott Anthony Mayson |
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