Applying the biodesign innovation process: Addressing the inadequate supply of surgical screws in the developing world

Trauma injuries are now a leading cause of death and disability across developing countries. Within these low-resource environments, the growing surgical demand compounded by the effects of insufficient medical supplies often lead to compromises in the quality of patient care. Supplies of standard consumables such as surgical screws remain less than adequate, forcing surgeons to deliver sub-par surgical treatments. In this paper, we describe the engineering design process used in the development a medical grade screw cutter to address the problem of inadequate surgical screw inventories at hospital centers. Also highlighted, are the lessons learnt from the design process and the initial feedback from surgeons whom have had first-hand experience with the device. Looking ahead, critical future design directions are addressed.