Product category:
Springs, dampers, latches, locks and small components
News Release from: TFC | Subject: Circlip D3008 size code 36
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 March 2007
Website aids shoulder reconstruction
TFC recently helped an orthopaedic company in search of a circlip needed for a reconstructive shoulder joint.
TFC recently helped an orthopaedic company in search of a circlip needed for a reconstructive shoulder joint Biomet designs bespoke implants to help a range of mobility issues for clients with hip, knee shoulder and elbow conditions
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 3 Oct 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
TFC springs accommodate metric specs
TFC Europe has announced the launch of a new series of springs in its Smalley range.
TFC springs into space
TFC has announced that one of its Smalley springs has been used in the latest Phoenix Mars Lander mission.
Usually these are caused by degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and specific bone and musculature ailments.
Nick's search ended when he contacted TFC after finding the exact circlip on the TFC website.
"I had spent quite a lot of time looking for a low-profile circlip which met the specific dimensions required, and was pleased when TFC offered to send me samples which I could use as a template for my prototype shoulder joint".
The first stage in development for the shoulder joint began as soon as Nick received the circlips from TFC.
He set about tooling an exact replica in titanium.
Titanium is as strong as steel and 45% lighter, making it ideal for use with surgery, especially with implant joints because of its non-corrosive nature.
This makes it non-toxic and therefore unlikely to be rejected by the body.
The stresses and strains exerted upon joints is enormous in healthy people, but for people with diminished musculature or bone density, the effects of gravity and exerted force means that any artificial joint must be able to withstand the stresses and wear of everyday life.
It was imperative that every aspect of Nick's design matched the original specifications of the patient and the individual components, such as the circlip.
Nick will test the shoulder implant during March to make sure that the joint withstands a variety of range, mobility and force assessments.
He hopes that the implant will be available to patients by June.
The circlip was an inverted internal circlip D3008 size code 36 and normally has a more industrial application.
Barry Tibble, Sales Director from TFC, said "This is the first time we have been approached to find a solution of this nature but we were only too pleased to help Biomet". Request a free brochure from TFC ...
• TFC: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
