Ankle External Fixator Contoured Segments Pin Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external fixator assemblies for the ankle area are inefficient in stabilization and orientation, often obscuring X-ray views and requiring time-consuming and less accurate placement of transfixion pins, especially due to the need for additional support blocks and clamps.
Innovation Solution
An external fixator assembly with a base segment and contoured segments that mimic the arch of the foot, allowing transfixion pins to be positioned at various orientations along the ankle area, reducing the need for conventional support blocks and enhancing versatility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional support blocks and clamps are used to position transfixion pins, then the pins can be secured to the halo ring, but the devices obscure important portions of the ankle joint on X-ray and require time-consuming placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the halo ring and support blocks from the fixator assembly, extracting the components that cause X-ray obstruction. Instead, transfixion pins are directly secured to contoured segments that mimic the ankle's natural anatomy, eliminating the obstructive halo ring structure while maintaining pin positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs contoured segments with curved surfaces that conform to the natural anatomy of the ankle joint. These contoured segments provide pin placement surfaces that follow the ankle's curvature, improving both X-ray visibility and anatomical accuracy without requiring additional support blocks
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional clamps and support blocks are used, then transfixion pins can be secured, but the placement process becomes time-consuming and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured segments are pre-formed with specific curvature and pin placement surfaces that match the ankle's anatomy. This preliminary preparation of the contoured segments eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustment of support blocks and clamps during surgery, allowing direct and accurate pin placement
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured segments serve multiple functions: they provide the structural support previously requiring separate support blocks, offer pin placement surfaces that ensure accurate positioning, and conform to the ankle's anatomy for improved precision. This multi-functionality reduces both procedure time and placement errors
Data Source
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AI summary
An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion (s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment (s) so as to extend transversely inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.