Joint replacement alignment guides and systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TAR surgical procedures face challenges in achieving proper sizing and positioning of tibial and talus components, leading to instability and limited articulation in ankle replacements.
Innovation Solution
An alignment guide system comprising a first, second, and third translation mechanism, along with a tower, which allows for precise medial-lateral, distal-proximal, and varus-valgus adjustments during total ankle replacement surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional TAR surgical procedures are used, then the surgical process is simple, but proper sizing and positioning of tibial and talus components cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide system is divided into multiple independent translation mechanisms (first, second, and third translation mechanisms) that can be adjusted separately along different axes. Each mechanism controls a specific degree of freedom, allowing precise positioning of the tibial and talus components without requiring a monolithic complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation during surgery. The translation mechanisms can be adjusted to different positions and orientations to accommodate varying patient anatomy and surgical requirements, enabling precise component positioning while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If currently available TAR systems are used, then the procedure is straightforward, but stable replacement ankle joint with full articulation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide system provides visual and mechanical feedback during the positioning process. The translation mechanisms include indicators and reference features that allow the surgeon to verify proper alignment and positioning of components in real-time, ensuring stable joint replacement with full articulation through controlled feedback during the surgical procedure.
3Measurement precision
If simple positioning methods are used, then the surgical procedure is easy to perform, but accurate alignment of components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide system acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the implant components. It provides reference surfaces, alignment features, and translation mechanisms that mediate the positioning process, making accurate alignment achievable through controlled mechanical guidance rather than relying solely on surgeon skill or simple positioning methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Instruments, devices, systems and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are disclosed. The system includes a first translation mechanism, a second translation mechanism coupled to the first translation mechanism, and a third translation mechanism coupled to the second translation mechanism, and a tower coupled to the third translation mechanism. Methods of assembling and using the alignment guides for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are also disclosed.