Patient-Specific 3D Target Template for ACL Borehole Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction often result in misplaced drill channels due to the lack of precise anatomical targeting, leading to postoperative movement restrictions, pain, and potential failure of the reconstruction, as existing devices are not individually tailored to the patient's anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A custom-made device with a 3D-imaged target template and probe for precise drill channel placement, utilizing 3D MRI or CT data to create patient-specific templates for the thigh and lower leg, allowing for accurate anatomical alignment and size consideration during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If universally shaped target devices are used for drill channel placement, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability of drill channel placement deteriorate due to inability to account for individual anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing 3D imaging (MRI or CT) and creating patient-specific 3D computer models before the surgical procedure. This allows the drill channel placement to be precisely planned and the target device to be customized in advance based on the individual patient's anatomy, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex intraoperative adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital 3D copy of the patient's actual bone anatomy through 3D imaging and computer modeling. This virtual model serves as a precise template for designing the customized target device, allowing the physical device to accurately replicate the patient's unique anatomical features and achieve precise drill channel placement
2Measurement precision
If commercially available universal targeting devices are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision of anatomical landmarks deteriorates leading to drill channel misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the target device specifically for the patient's local anatomical conditions. The 3D computer model captures the unique surface profile and anatomical landmarks of the individual patient's bone structure, allowing the target device to be precisely adapted to that specific local anatomy rather than using a universal design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary 3D imaging and anatomical analysis before surgery to identify and map the patient's specific anatomical landmarks. This advance preparation allows the target device to be pre-configured with the correct orientation and positioning information, making the actual surgical operation simpler and more accurate
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the patient-specific, individual anatomic placement of bore channels when attaching artificial ligaments to bones, namely for use in placing boreholes on the thigh and lower leg during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, is provided with a probe (1) to be introduced into a joint via an arthroscopy portal and with a targeting head (2) disposed on the distal end of the probe. The targeting head (2) comprises a targeting template (3) which is produced individually using a 3-D imaging method, in particular 3-D magnetic resonance tomography (3-D-MRT) or 3-D computer tomography (3-D-CT), and which is a negative imprint of the osseous surface relief in the region where the torn ligament attaches to the bone in question, in particular where the cruciate ligament attaches to the thigh or lower leg. The targeting template (3) comprises at least one passage (4) for marking the bore channel that is to be produced on the bone, and a hand grip (7) is provided on the proximal end of the probe (1) for holding and positioning. The invention also relates to a method for producing a corresponding device.