Adjustable Tibial Sizer for Faster Knee Implant Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for selecting a tibial base plate in unicompartmental knee replacement surgery involve the use of multiple sized templates, which are cumbersome, costly, and prolong surgical time due to the need for frequent template swaps and manual tracking.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tibial sizer with a two-part body and a connection element allowing simultaneous movement in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, featuring ramp surfaces and a handle with indicia for size indication, facilitating precise sizing without template swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sized templates are used for tibial base plate sizing, then sizing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sizer comprises two body portions that can move relative to each other along a connection element, allowing the sizer to dynamically adjust between different sizes. This dynamic mechanism replaces the need for multiple static templates, enabling a single device to provide multiple sizing options while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sizer serves multiple functions by providing a range of sizes within a single device. The two body portions can be positioned at different locations along the connection element to accommodate various tibial base plate sizes, making one universal tool replace multiple specialized templates.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sized templates are used for tibial base plate sizing, then sizing accuracy is improved, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the surgeon to quickly change the sizer configuration by simply moving the body portions along the connection element, eliminating the time-consuming process of swapping between multiple templates during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple template functions into a single integrated device. By merging the functionality of multiple sized templates into one adjustable sizer, the surgical workflow is simplified and time is reduced while maintaining comprehensive sizing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sized templates are included in the instrument tray, then sizing options are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single adjustable sizer provides universal applicability for multiple tibial base plate sizes, replacing the need to transport multiple individual templates. This reduces the overall weight of the instrument tray while maintaining full sizing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic resizing capability allows one lightweight sizer to replace multiple heavier templates. The ability to adjust the sizer dimensions on-demand reduces the total mass of sizing instruments needed in the surgical tray.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sized templates are used for tibial base plate sizing, then sizing options are improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple template functions into one device, the surgeon only needs to manage and track a single sizer rather than multiple templates. This merging simplifies the operational workflow and reduces the cognitive load during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism provides ease of operation through simple movement of body portions along the connection element. This eliminates the complex process of selecting, swapping, and tracking multiple static templates, making the sizing process more intuitive and easier to execute.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces surgical complexity and time by enabling quick and accurate determination of the appropriate tibial base plate size, minimizing template usage and weight of surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp surfaces provided on the first and second body portions may be in sliding contact
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method of using an adjustable tibial sizer for use in knee arthroplasty. The sizer includes a two-part body comprising: a first body portion, a second body portion, and a connection element extending therebetween.