Acetabular Alignment Device Femoral Reference Hip Arthroplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning acetabular components in hip arthroplasty systems often rely on anatomical references, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate alignments due to anatomical variations and skeletal wear, which can result in early wear of components, loss of range of motion, patient pain, and hip joint dislocation.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument is coupled with the femur to maintain a fixed and predetermined relationship, mimicking the combined shape of a native or implanted femoral head and acetabular component, allowing for alignment based on the femur's range of motion, with markings on the acetabulum providing guidance for proper placement of the acetabular component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical reference devices or computer-aided navigation systems relying on anatomical references are used for acetabular component alignment, then alignment can be achieved, but anatomical variations and skeletal wear lead to inconsistent and inaccurate alignment results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment reference system from dependence on anatomical features (acetabular landmarks, skeletal structures) and relocates it to the femur-bone structure, which provides a more consistent and reliable reference frame that is not affected by acetabular anatomical variations or wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a femoral reference device as an intermediary that couples to the femur and provides a standardized reference frame. This mediator translates femoral positioning into acetabular alignment guidance, eliminating the need to directly reference variable anatomical features of the acetabulum itself
2Device complexity
If anatomical references are used for alignment, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but anatomical variations and skeletal wear cause poor alignment results
Solution Approach 1:
The femoral reference device serves as a practical intermediary that maintains equipment simplicity while improving precision. It is a straightforward mechanical device that couples to the femur and provides consistent geometric references, avoiding the need for complex navigation systems or reliance on variable anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter from anatomical features (which vary between patients and degrade with wear) to geometric features of the femoral reference device (which are manufactured to precise tolerances and remain consistent). This parameter change from biological to engineered references resolves the precision problem while maintaining procedural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A trial medical instrument for aligning an acetabular component, comprising: a first portion configured to fit within a patient's acetabulum; and a second portion extending from the first portion; wherein the second portion extends from the first portion in a direction that mimics a shape formed by a femoral implant component coupled with an acetabular implant component when a femur to which the femoral implant component is coupled is in a position relative to an acetabulum to which the acetabular implant component is coupled that is near an extent of a typical range of motion of the femur. As used herein, the phrase “extent of a typical range of motion” describes typical angular displacements of a femur as usually limited by patient anatomy.