Project Description:

Orthopedic surgeries, especially those involving the hip, femur, and tibia, often require the use of a Bennett retractor to provide consistent exposure of deep surgical sites. However, traditional Bennett retractor presents ergonomic and stability challenges during prolonged use. Surgical assistants frequently report fatigue and discomfort, and the instrument’s tendency to migrate can compromise surgical precision and affect surgical outcomes. These issues are significant considering that one in six lower-limb surgeries encounter complications involving the Bennett retractor.

To address these limitations, our team designed The BENNovate—an improved Bennett retractor that enhances the functionality of the traditional retractor. Our design features a multi-angle adjustable locking mechanism that allows the blade to be secured in seven distinct positions using a sliding button. This ensures stability and minimizes instrument migration during use. Additionally, the retractor includes a curved blade to better contour to anatomical structures and an ergonomic handle to improve grip and reduce strain for users. Our device underwent mechanical testing and was shown to withstand forces up to 10 N without failure. Laser scanning also confirmed minimized tissue damage during simulated retraction.

With a total addressable market of over $700,000 annually, The BENNovate presents a commercially viable upgrade to an essential surgical instrument. By improving both stability and ergonomics, our retractor can enhance surgical outcomes and reduce assistant fatigue, ultimately supporting more efficient and effective orthopedic procedures.