Bone Plate Alignment Guide for Precise Joint Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone plate alignment systems lack precision in aligning and securing orthopedic bone plates for effective joint compression, particularly in complex fracture scenarios, leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate alignment guide apparatus comprising a body with an arm, attachment, and alignment portions, along with a fixation insert and guide pin, allows for precise alignment and secure fixation of bone plates across joint spaces, using screws and temporary fixation pins to facilitate accurate bone plate positioning and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing bone plate alignment systems are used, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but precision in aligning and securing bone plates for joint compression is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide apparatus serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone plate, providing precise alignment references through its guide bores and attachment mechanisms. The guide apparatus mediates the alignment process by defining exact trajectories for screw insertion and ensuring proper positioning of the bone plate relative to the joint, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and compression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide apparatus is attached to the bone plate before the actual fixation procedure. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to establish precise alignment and verify the positioning of guide bores before inserting screws. The pre-attachment of the guide apparatus ensures that all subsequent actions (screw insertion, compression) are based on pre-established precise geometric references, improving both alignment precision and joint compression effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex fracture scenarios are treated with existing systems, then all fractures can be addressed, but procedural accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide apparatus is designed as a modular system with separable components including the guide body, attachment mechanisms, and interchangeable guide inserts. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different fracture scenarios by changing or repositioning specific components while maintaining the core alignment functionality, thus preserving procedural accuracy across versatile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide apparatus incorporates multiple guide bores at various angles and positions, along with versatile attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different bone plate configurations. This multi-functionality enables the single apparatus to address complex fracture scenarios with varying anatomical requirements while maintaining high procedural accuracy through its standardized precision reference system.
3Ease of operation
If bone plates are secured without precise alignment guidance, then the procedure is simpler, but surgical outcomes are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide apparatus is designed to be self-aligning through its attachment mechanisms that automatically reference the bone plate geometry. Once attached, the guide bores self-position to provide the correct insertion trajectories without requiring complex manual alignment by the surgeon. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable surgical outcomes through precise alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an alignment guide apparatus, system, and method. 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 is also disclosed.