Adjustable Targeting Assembly for Intramedullary Nail Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant insertion devices for intramedullary nails lack the ability to continuously adjust the angle of the guide sleeve and locking screw relative to the nail without disassembly or removal, limiting their versatility in accommodating various bone angles.
Innovation Solution
A targeting assembly with a pivotable mechanism, including elongate rails and a rotatable disk, allows for continuous adjustment of the guide sleeve and locking screw's angle relative to the intramedullary rod, enabling smooth, incremental, or non-incremental angular changes without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static angle guide sleeve is used in implant insertion devices, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different bone angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sleeve is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one with continuous rotational adjustability. The sleeve can be rotated to any angle within a range (e.g., 120° to 135°) relative to the intramedullary rod, allowing adaptation to different bone angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through mechanisms like cam grooves and detent pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeve assembly serves multiple functions: it guides the locking screw, provides continuous angular adjustment capability, and can be locked at any desired angle. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices for different angle requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the guide sleeve is removed and uncoupled to change angles, then the angle can be adjusted, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sleeve is designed with continuous rotational adjustability along the rod without requiring removal or disassembly. The sleeve can be freely rotated to any angle and then locked in place, dramatically reducing the time and complexity of angle adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeve includes self-contained adjustment mechanisms (cam grooves, detent pins, locking features) that allow the user to independently adjust and lock the angle without requiring disassembly of the device or assistance from additional components.
3Measurement precision
If stepwise angle adjustment is used, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sleeve provides continuous angular adjustment capability, allowing precise alignment at any angle within the adjustment range rather than being limited to discrete stepwise positions. This continuous adjustability significantly improves measurement and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular parameter of the guide sleeve can be continuously changed to any value within the specified range, enabling precise alignment. The device maintains simplicity by using mechanical features like cam grooves and detent pins rather than complex electronic or computational systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant insertion device including a body having a first portion for coupling to a proximal end of an intramedullary rod and a second portion extending in a spaced position from the intramedullary rod in the vicinity of an aperture in a proximal end of the rod when the rod is coupled to the first portion. The second portion can include a targeting assembly having a passageway for receiving a guide sleeve and for pivoting the guide sleeve relative to the aperture through an angular range for inserting the fastener into the aperture of the rod. An implant insertion device for use with an implantable device is additionally provided.