Bone Tunnel Gauge with Indicator Pin for Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the proper depth and size of a bone tunnel for graft placement during surgical procedures, such as ACL repair, is challenging due to the hidden inferior portion of the tunnel within the femur, leading to time-consuming and error-prone calculations.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising an elongate pin with an indicator mark, an elongate pusher shaft, and an elongate gauge member with windows and indicia, allowing for direct visualization and measurement of tunnel characteristics like depth and graft size without mathematical calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mathematical calculations are used to determine tunnel depth and graft size, then accuracy can be maintained, but surgical time increases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mathematical calculations with a mechanical measurement system. The gauge member with scale markings directly measures tunnel depth through physical contact with the pin, eliminating the need for surgeons to perform calculations based on bone stock and graft length estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin serves as an intermediary measurement tool that extends through the bone tunnel and provides a reference point for the gauge member. This intermediary device allows direct visualization of tunnel characteristics without requiring complex calculations.
2Productivity
If estimations are used to determine tunnel depth and graft size, then surgical time is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes estimation-based mechanical processes with a direct measurement mechanical system. The gauge member provides objective measurement readings that eliminate subjective estimation while maintaining surgical efficiency.
3Loss of substance
If the inferior portion of the tunnel is hidden within the femur, then bone removal is minimized, but measurement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin acts as an intermediary that extends through the hidden inferior portion of the tunnel and provides external reference points. This allows the gauge member to measure tunnel characteristics indirectly through the pin's position, overcoming the limitation of the hidden tunnel portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from direct visualization of the tunnel (spatial dimension) to measurement through the pin's external position (different dimensional reference), allowing indirect measurement of the hidden tunnel portion.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for gauging a bone tunnel. In one exemplary embodiment, a graft repair system can include an elongate pin, an elongate pusher shaft configured to be positioned over one opposed end of the pin when the pin is positioned within a bone tunnel, and a gauge member configured to be positioned over another opposed end of the pin when the pin is positioned within the bone tunnel. When the pusher shaft abuts the bone adjacent one of the open ends of the bone tunnel and the gauge member abuts the bone adjacent the other open end of the bone tunnel, an indicator mark on the pin can be visible through one or more windows formed in the gauge member. The indicator mark's position relative to each of the one or more windows can indicate one or more characteristics related to the bone tunnel.