Arthrodesis Apparatus with Depth Gauge and Guide System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures for joint fusion face challenges in aligning bones accurately, preventing deep penetration of the core saw, and reducing malunion and non-union issues, which complicate the process and prolong recovery times.
Innovation Solution
An arthrodesis surgical apparatus featuring cannulated core saws with reciprocal sizes, dedicated plungers, a guide system, and depth gauge to ensure precise alignment and controlled depth, preventing excessive bone removal and streamlining the fusion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a core saw is used to core out bones for joint fusion, then bone material is removed to enable fusion, but the core saw may penetrate too deeply into the joint causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A depth gauge is introduced as an intermediary measurement tool between the core saw and the bone. The depth gauge features a stop mechanism that physically prevents the core saw from penetrating deeper than the predetermined safe depth, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of excessive penetration while maintaining the useful function of bone coring.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth gauge is pre-set with the correct depth measurement before the coring operation begins. This preliminary action establishes the safe penetration limit in advance, allowing the surgeon to perform the coring operation without worrying about exceeding the safe depth, thus preventing excessive penetration before it can occur.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment methods are used for bone positioning, then the procedure is simple, but alignment accuracy is poor leading to malunion and non-union
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical alignment methods are replaced with a guided alignment system that uses predefined anatomical landmarks and mechanical guides. The guide structure provides precise alignment through its geometric design, eliminating the need for manual positioning while significantly improving alignment accuracy and reducing malunion and non-union complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system creates a precise geometric copy or replica of the desired final bone position through the guide structure. By following the predetermined guide paths and reference points, the bones are automatically positioned in the correct alignment, ensuring high precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Productivity
If traditional arthrodesis procedures are performed without guidance systems, then the procedure is straightforward, but surgical time and healing time are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
All alignment references, depth measurements, and cutting guides are pre-established in the apparatus design before surgery begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative measurements and adjustments, significantly reducing surgical procedure time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be self-aligning and self-regulating through its inherent geometric features and mechanical constraints. The guide structure automatically positions itself and maintains correct alignment throughout the procedure without requiring continuous surgeon intervention or complex adjustments, thereby streamlining the surgical process and reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Arthrodesis surgical methods and apparatus. After a guide pin is inserted into the joint to be fused, a core saw creates a cored-out cavity in the joint to be fixated. An autograft bone core is harvested with a core saw and is inserted into the cored-out cavity. The joint is then immobilized for the healing process.