Bone Plate Alignment Guide for Precise Joint Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning and securing orthopedic bone plates during joint compression are inefficient and lack precision, leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate alignment guide apparatus and system that includes a body with an arm and alignment portion, a fixation insert, a guide pin, and a screw, allowing for precise alignment and secure fixation of bone plates across joints using temporary fixation pins and compression screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for aligning and securing orthopedic bone plates are used, then the surgical process can be completed, but the alignment precision and fixation accuracy are insufficient leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide apparatus serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone plate fixation process. It provides a physical reference framework with alignment portions and guide pins that mediate the positioning process, ensuring precise alignment and accurate screw hole placement before actual fixation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide apparatus enables preliminary alignment and positioning actions to be performed before final fixation. The guide pins and alignment portions allow surgeons to pre-determine and mark screw hole locations with high precision, ensuring optimal bone plate positioning before committing to permanent fixation.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing alignment methods are used, then the surgical procedure can proceed, but the placement accuracy of bone plates and screws is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide apparatus acts as a mediator that simplifies the complex task of achieving precise fixation. By providing pre-configured alignment portions, guide pins, and reference features, it transforms a complex positioning problem into a straightforward insertion and alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components including alignment portions, guide pins, and attachment features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall procedure easier to execute while maintaining high precision.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment tools are introduced, then alignment accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide apparatus is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: alignment reference, guide pin insertion, screw hole positioning, and bone plate positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate specialized tools, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide apparatus merges several alignment and positioning functions into a single integrated device. By combining alignment portions, guide pins, and reference features into one apparatus, it achieves precise alignment without requiring multiple separate complex tools.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment guide apparatus, system, and method for aligning and securing an orthopedic bone plate for compression of a joint. The alignment guide apparatus includes a body, a fixation insert, a guide pin, and a screw. The body may include an arm with a first end and a second end, an attachment portion at the first end, and an alignment portion at the second end. The fixation insert may be configured to pass through the attachment portion and the guide pin may be configured to pass through the alignment portion. The screw may be configured to engage the guide pin. The alignment system may include a bone plate, an alignment guide, a screw, at least one first fastener, and at least one second fastener. A method for moving a joint to align a joint for securing a bone plate.