Design and evaluation of an ergonomic handle for a steerable arthroscopic cutter: applying the human factor engineering framework to improve ergonomics
Vincent Wesselink · Research Repository (Delft University of Technology) · 2018
Every year over 30.000 patients in the Netherlands alone are operated to repair a damaged meniscus. Damage to the meniscus occurs due to a combination of excessive torque and compression forces on the knee joint. The current arthroscopic cutters that are used during meniscectomies can only reach limited areas of the meniscus. During the operation, several cutters are used to enable access to the entire meniscus. For the general health of the patient, it is bene cial if the risk and duration of the procedure are reduced by limiting the number of instruments that are used. Therefore a concept was developed of a steerable arthroscopic cutter. Previous handle designs proved to be di icult in usability. The aim of this study is to design a handle for a steerable meniscus cutter, for use during full rim and partial meniscectomies, that is more ergonomic to control.