Adjustable Offset Femoral Tunnel Guide for ACL Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing femoral tunnel guide devices used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction often fail to accurately position the femoral tunnel at an anatomical site, leading to rotation instability and complications, especially when using the transtibial method, as they typically have a fixed offset that restricts the guide pin's ability to reach the anatomical position.
Innovation Solution
A femoral tunnel guide device with an adjustable offset unit that allows the guide pin to be positioned at an anatomical site by varying the separation distance between the offset unit and the guide tube, enabling precise placement through a tibial tunnel by rotating the device, with a range of 8 mm to 15 mm offset, facilitating anatomical reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed offset is used in the femoral tunnel guide device, then the device structure is simple, but the guide pin cannot reach the anatomical position of the anterior cruciate ligament
Solution Approach 1:
The offset unit employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the separation distance between the guide tube and offset unit to be changed during the surgical procedure. This enables the guide pin to reach the anatomical position of the anterior cruciate ligament by adjusting the offset distance, rather than being constrained by a fixed offset. The dynamic nature of the offset unit resolves the contradiction between positioning accuracy and structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the separation distance between offset unit and guide tube is increased to reach anatomical position, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The offset unit is segmented into multiple components including the guide tube, offset unit, and connecting links. This segmentation allows for independent adjustment of the separation distance while maintaining overall device functionality. The modular structure enables precise positioning at the anatomical location without requiring a completely complex monolithic design.
3Reliability
If a fixed offset device is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it causes rotation instability and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for parameter changes in the offset distance to accommodate different anatomical variations and surgical requirements. By adjusting the separation distance between the guide tube and offset unit, the surgeon can optimize the guide pin positioning to achieve accurate anatomical reconstruction, thereby improving rotation stability and reducing complications while maintaining reasonable ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a femoral tunnel guide device including: a handle; a guide tube coupled to the handle and extending in one direction; and an offset unit extending from the guide tube and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a virtual extension line of the guide tube in the one direction.