Patient-Matched Acetabular Alignment Tool with Adjustable Legs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for aligning acetabular implants in hip replacement surgeries often result in misalignment due to anatomical differences and patient position variability, leading to leg length discrepancies and the need for additional surgeries, which are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A patient-matched acetabular alignment tool with adjustable leg members that correspond to specific anatomical landmarks, allowing for precise alignment of the implant axis based on patient-specific anatomy, using data from X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to determine the desired implant angle and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a generalized X-bar positioning system is used for aligning acetabular implants, then the alignment process is simplified and can be applied to all patients, but misalignment occurs due to anatomical differences between patients
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool is segmented into multiple components including a mounting member and multiple leg members that can be independently configured. Each leg member can be selectively positioned to contact different anatomic landmark sites, allowing the tool to be adapted to various patient anatomies while maintaining precise alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The leg members are made movable relative to the mounting member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tool's configuration. This enables the alignment tool to adapt to different patient anatomies by positioning leg members at appropriate anatomic landmarks, thereby achieving precise alignment for each individual patient
2Device complexity
If a fixed configuration alignment tool is used, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot accommodate anatomical variations and patient position differences
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool incorporates movable leg members that can be repositioned relative to the mounting member. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt to various anatomical landmarks and patient positions without requiring completely different tools for each case
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool is designed with multiple leg members that can contact different anatomic landmark sites, making it a universal tool capable of accommodating various patient anatomies. The same tool can be used across different patients by adjusting which leg members contact which landmarks
3Reliability
If misalignment occurs due to anatomical differences, then additional revision surgeries are required to correct the error, but this increases surgical time, cost, and patient risk
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool is configured based on preoperative imaging data to predict and account for anatomical variations before surgery. By establishing the correct alignment configuration in advance, the tool ensures accurate implant placement during surgery, eliminating the need for time-consuming revision procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for aligning acetabular implants. A patient-matched acetabular alignment tool is used to orient tools and implants intraoperatively. The patient-matched acetabular alignment tool includes a mounting member and leg members which are configured based on the particular patient's anatomic landmark sites (e.g., acetabular bony landmarks). The leg members are attached to the mounting member and configured to connect with a respective anatomic landmark site to achieve a desired implant angle and axis. For example, the leg members may form a tripod support base through which an acetabular shell may be inserted into the patient's acetabulum at desired angles of version and inclination. In some embodiments, the leg members may be retractable and expandable with respect to the mounting member, thereby providing a tool with reduced profile for inserting the device in the patient's soft tissue.