Custom Radiographic Cutting Guide for Ankle Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total ankle replacement surgery techniques are complex, time-consuming, and require extensive fluoroscopic imaging, with difficulties in correcting angular deformities and the need for a large external frame, which complicates the procedure and increases operative time.
Innovation Solution
A custom radiographically designed cutting guide system, including a tibial cutting guide and a talar cutting guide, along with an adjustable tibial reaming guide positioning system, which are preoperatively tailored using CAT or MRI scans to improve precision and simplify the surgical process by eliminating the need for a large external frame and minimizing fluoroscopic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large external frame is used to hold the leg during surgery, then the ankle can be held immobile for accurate bone cuts, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the cumbersome setup and extensive fluoroscopic imaging required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the large external frame from the surgical system entirely. Instead, it uses a small incisionlessless guide that fits directly into the ankle joint space, extracting the immobilization function from the complex external frame system and embedding it in a simple intra-articular guide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a small guide structure that acts as an intermediary element placed within the ankle joint space. This guide mediates between the surgeon's cutting instruments and the bone surfaces, providing stable reference without requiring the complex external frame system
2Measurement precision
If the existing complex algorithm and external frame technique is used to define bone cuts, then accurate alignment and position can be achieved, but the operative time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the guide structure's geometry and positioning features before surgery. The guide is designed with pre-calculated alignment references that automatically establish correct bone cut parameters when inserted, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative measurement algorithms and reducing operative time
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning within the ankle joint. Its geometry automatically establishes the correct reference framework for bone cuts without requiring complex external frame setup or extensive fluoroscopic verification, making the system self-sufficient and time-efficient
3Measurement precision
If the existing technique is used for total ankle replacement, then prostheses can be inserted with correct alignment, but the ease of operation worsens due to the difficulty in correcting angular deformities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the guide structure adjustable and adaptable during surgery. The guide can be repositioned and reoriented to accommodate angular deformities, allowing the surgeon to dynamically adjust the reference framework to match the patient's specific anatomy and deformity pattern, thereby maintaining alignment accuracy while improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guide system and instrumentalities including a tibial cutting guide position verification device is disclosed. A computer-based system and method for making the custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides is also disclosed. Further disclosed is an adjustable tibial reaming guide positioning system for allowing a position for reaming of a distal tibia to be adjusted during total ankle replacement surgery and, particularly, during total ankle arthroplasty for prostheses with an intramedullary stem.