Reduction of harmful noise pollution during hip replacement surgery

Abstract

This graduation project is on behalf of TU Delft and Zimmer Biomet in collaboration with Orthopedic surgeons from Bergman Clinics, Orthopedic Clinic, in Naarden. The aim of this master thesis was to design a product which could reduce the pollution of harmful noise during hip replacement surgery. Noisy workplaces and especially within this procedure carry a large risk of noise-induced hearing loss, as sound levels of more than 120 decibels are generated by the usage of (powered) instruments. In the analysis phase observations in the operating theatre and interviews with experts are conducted to get insights and background information about the total hip arthroplasty procedures. It was found that noise levels experienced during surgery generated levels above the human pain threshold, ranging between 120-130 decibels and caused temporary and long-term noise induced hearing loss. Via a design vision and a list of requirements multiple concepts where generated. In the embodiment and evaluation phase, cadaver and saw bone testing showed that the new instrument design functioned and implant parts and/or tools could be implanted successfully. The outcome of this project is a new surgical instrument, which can press-fit (impact) and extract various implant components used during surgery. The instrument has multiple unique selling points compared to the currently used mallet as it reduces the noise level with more than 15 decibels and scores better on aspects of safety when looking into the risks at musculoskeletal disorders by improving surgical ergonomics. The instrument could be improved further when looking at the design and the current surgical workflow. Further research and clinical testing is necessary to see if this product is suitable for hip replacement surgery.