Adjustable Canine Stifle Teaching Model for CCL Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of anatomically accurate and adjustable teaching models for canine stifle (knee) that can simulate the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) condition, limiting the ability of veterinary students to practice diagnosing CCL injuries without causing discomfort to live animals.
Innovation Solution
A canine stifle teaching model comprising a tibia, fibula, and femur members assembled in anatomical spatial relationship, with adjustable ligament members and a tightening mechanism that allows for selective adjustment to simulate normal and CCL-affected stifle conditions, including varying degrees of severity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simulated teaching model is used, then student training availability is improved, but anatomical accuracy and symptom reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of the canine stifle joint using anatomically accurate bone replicas (femur, tibia, fibula) and ligament structures. The model replicates the actual anatomical relationships and pathological conditions of CCL tears, providing both availability for repeated training and reliability through faithful anatomical reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing adjustment of ligament tension and bone positioning to simulate different severity levels of CCL injuries. The adjustable ligament members can be tightened or loosened to reproduce varying degrees of joint instability, from mild to severe cases, maintaining anatomical accuracy while providing training versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable mechanism is added to simulate varying severity, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements through adjustable ligament members that can be tightened or loosened to change the mechanical properties of the joint. This allows the model to transition between different pathological states (normal to severe CCL tear) and enables repeated adjustment during training sessions without requiring multiple static models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ligament structures into separate, independently adjustable components. Each ligament member can be modified individually to simulate different injury patterns and severity levels, providing fine-grained control over the pathological presentation while keeping the overall structure manageable.
3Reliability
If live animals are used for teaching, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but ethical concerns and animal discomfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of the canine stifle joint using anatomically accurate bone replicas (femur, tibia, fibula) and ligament structures. The model replicates the actual anatomical relationships and pathological conditions of CCL tears, providing both availability for repeated training and reliability through faithful anatomical reproduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A canine stifle teaching model is provided that includes a tibia member, a fibula member, and a femur member assembled in anatomical spatial relationship to one another. A plurality of ligament members extend among the tibia member, fibula member, and femur member to restrain the tibia member, fibula member, and femur member in the anatomical spatial relationship. An adjustment mechanism is configured for selective adjustment to loosen and tighten at least one of the plurality of ligament members.