Adjustable Patient-Specific Orthopedic Instrument for Bone Fit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient specific instruments (PSIs) are not adjustable after production, leading to suboptimal performance in orthopedic treatments.

Innovation Solution

A method involving computer-aided design (CAD) to create an adjustable PSI, using 3D printing techniques, and subsequent adjustment based on real-time conditions to ensure precise fitting and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional PSI is produced with fixed design, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to real patient conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to real patient conditionsVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PSI is designed with adjustable components that allow dynamic modification after production. The instrument includes movable parts and adjustment mechanisms that enable clinicians to modify the PSI's configuration in the operating room to match actual patient anatomy and surgical requirements, transforming a static device into a dynamic one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The PSI is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted or reconfigured. This segmentation allows different portions of the instrument to be modified separately, providing flexibility without requiring complete redesign or replacement of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If PSI is made adjustable after production, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of PSIVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Adjustability is achieved through mechanical adjustment mechanisms rather than complex custom manufacturing. The PSI incorporates movable components, sliding elements, or interchangeable parts that can be adjusted manually in the operating room, avoiding the need for complex additive manufacturing or custom fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If PSI fitting is adjusted after operation, then surgical precision improves, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PSI is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms and pre-positioned components that enable quick modifications during surgery. Critical adjustment features are prepared in advance during instrument design and manufacturing, allowing clinicians to make precise adjustments rapidly without extensive setup or calibration time during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12471999B2Method of orthopedic treatment

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

AI summary

A method of orthopedic treatment includes steps of: by using a computer aided design (CAD) tool based on profile data that is related to a to-be-treated part of a bone of a patient, obtaining a model of a preliminary instrument that substantially fits the to-be-treated part; by using the CAD tool, obtaining a model of a patient specific instrument (PSI) based on the model of the preliminary instrument; producing the PSI based on the model of the PSI, the PSI being adjustable; performing medical operation on the to-be-treated part, and then attaching the PSI to the to-be-treated part; after attaching the PSI to the to-be-treated part, adjusting the PSI such that the PSI is adapted to real conditions of the to-be-treated part.