The Polarizing Views of Robotic Assisted Surgery (STS research paper)

Technical Report:
The current methods of treatment used for clavicle or radius and ulna fractures include non-operative treatment, plate fixation, or intramedullary fixation. These methods effectively treat the fracture, however, some methods are more invasive while others constrict the movement of the patient, both which are not ideal for recovery time. In order to address both of these issues, a flexible bone screw was designed and developed as a substitution for the current treatment methods. The method for insertion would be axially through the bone, making implementation of the flexible bone screw minimally invasive in comparison the current methods. In addition, the flexibility aspect of the screw will account for the both the compressional and rotational forces exerted on it, making movement of the patient much less limited. Mechanical testing of the screw along with other fixation methods was completed using tests such as pullout, torsion, cantilever bending, four-point bend, and fatigue tests. The results from mechanical testing showed that the Flex screw had a greater 0.2% yield displacement, a decreased 0.2% yield load, decreased bending stiffness, and decreased bending strength in comparison to the rigid samples. In some tests the Flex screw outperformed the other methods of fixation, however it performed worse in others. It can be concluded that though the Flex screw does not outperform the current treatment methods in all tests, it is still a comparable solution to the problem. The data collected was used to draft an IDE and will be submitted. Plans to draft and submit an FDA 51 0(k) are still in progress.

STS:
This research paper will serve to implement the Monster Theory to support the claim that the polarizing views towards robotic surgery are a result of the breaking of the underlying cultural boundary between the two cultural categories of human and machine.

Other title: Flexible Bone Screw Application (Technical report);
School of Engineering and Applied Science; Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science; Technical Advisor: Timothy Allen; STS Advisor: Benjamin J. Laugelli.