External Fixation Alignment Gauge for Orthopedic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external fixation systems using adjustable struts and computer alignment require surgeons to approximate translation distances between bone members and support members, leading to inaccurate alignment prescriptions and prolonged treatment times due to inexact measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
An external fixation alignment gauge with a body member featuring markings for distance indication, used in conjunction with adjustable struts and support members, allows precise measurement of translation distances in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral planes, enabling accurate alignment prescriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgeons use approximation methods to measure translation distances, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is poor leading to inaccurate alignment prescriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment gauge as an intermediary measurement device that bridges the gap between the surgeon and the complex measurement task. The gauge provides a simple interface (visual alignment with markings) while internally handling the complex geometry of measuring translation distances between bone members and support members, thus improving precision without increasing the surgeon's operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement procedures (such as using calipers, rulers, or coordinate measurement machines) with a simplified alignment gauge that uses visual alignment and geometric relationships. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while dramatically reducing the complexity of the measurement process for the surgeon
2Reliability
If surgeons use approximation methods for alignment measurement, then the procedure is faster, but the reliability of alignment prescription is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment gauge is designed to be attached to the support member before the final alignment prescription is made. This preliminary positioning allows the surgeon to visualize and measure the exact translation distance needed, ensuring accurate alignment prescriptions are determined early in the process rather than through repeated adjustments later
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment gauge serves as a mediator that translates complex spatial relationships into simple visual indicators. By providing clear visual feedback on translation distances, it enables surgeons to make reliable alignment decisions quickly without needing to perform complex calculations or repeated measurements
3Measurement precision
If no specialized measurement tool is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for accurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment gauge is designed as a multi-functional device that can measure translation distances in multiple planes (anterior-posterior, medial-lateral) and can be used with different types of external fixation systems. This universality allows a single device to improve measurement precision across various surgical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized tools that would reduce productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use with orthopedic surgical fixation devices, and more particularly, to an alignment gauge for use with an external fixation system comprising one or more support members (rings, plates, etc.) connected to one or more bone members wherein a plurality of struts of adjustable length support and/or connect the one or more support members. The alignment gauge indicating to a user, such as a surgeon, the degree of translational offset between one bone member and a center point of at least one of the support members in at least one of an anterior-posterior or medial-lateral plane.