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Impact wrench for orthopedics

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Project Overview

In the field of orthopedic surgery, medical hardware is often implanted into patient bone. The screws are, on average, in vivo for a year and allow for osteo-regeneration, which is the goal of the process, but in turn, bone regrowth complicates hardware removal. Upon removal, screws end up fixed in the bone with a much tighter fit than when implanted, making it difficult for surgeons to remove them by hand. Without the necessary torque to dislodge the hardware, screws are often stripped to the point of no avail, creating an even bigger problem for surgeons leading to wasted time and money. Because of this, this orthopedic impact wrench plans to reduce the amount of screw stripping in the operating room, while staying in a safe range of torque relative to the patient.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Phillip Michaelson, Andrew Hajek, Hanna Barton, Jennifer Leestma, Douglas Streeten
Team members from left to right: Phillip Michaelson, Andrew Hajek, Hanna Barton, Jennifer Leestma, Douglas Streeten

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Andrew Hajek - Team Leader
  • Jennifer Leestma - Communicator
  • Hanna Barton - BSAC
  • Douglas Streeten - BWIG
  • Phillip Michaelson - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Walter Block - Advisor
  • Dr. John Wollaeger - Client

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