Condyle Axis Locator with Curved Members for Surgical Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic procedures for knee surgeries face challenges in accurately locating and marking the axis of rotation of the posterior condyles of the femur, leading to potential errors during joint replacement and arthroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A condyle axis locator apparatus comprising a handle and concave members with locating members that allow for precise placement under the condyles, enabling the use of a marking instrument to accurately mark the axis of rotation, with adjustable dimensions and materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and plastic to accommodate various anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to locate and mark the condylar axis, then the procedure can be completed, but the accuracy and precision of marking the axis of rotation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The concave members are pre-shaped with specific radii of curvature that match the anatomical geometry of the condyles. This preliminary preparation of the tool geometry allows it to naturally conform to the condylar surface when positioned correctly, enabling the locating member to automatically align with the axis of rotation before marking occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave members are designed with curved surfaces having specific radii (e.g., 1.65-2.3 cm) that match the spherical geometry of the condyles. This curvature allows the concave members to nestle into the condylar surfaces, providing stable positioning and enabling precise alignment of the locating members with the rotational axis of each condyle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized marking tool is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate various anatomical variations in condyle size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The concave members are manufactured with specific, varied parameters including different radii of curvature (e.g., 1.65 cm, 2.3 cm) and different arc lengths to match various anatomical sizes. The locating members are positioned at specific distances from the centers of the concave members to accommodate different condyle geometries. This parametric variation allows the same basic tool design to adapt to diverse patient anatomies.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: concave members for contacting the condyles, locating members for identifying the axis, and a handle for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system adaptability to different anatomies.
3Manufacturing precision
If the condyle axis locator is designed with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot precisely fit different condyle sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple versions of concave members with different radii of curvature and arc lengths to match various condyle sizes. Each parameter is carefully selected based on anatomical measurements to ensure precise fitting. The locating members are positioned at specific, optimized distances from the concave member centers to achieve accurate axis localization for each anatomical variant.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods for locating the axis of rotation of one or more condyles are disclosed. A condyle axis locator can include a first concave member, a second concave member, and a handle extending between the first and second concave members. The first and second concave members can include first and second locating members, respectively, extending from a surface of the first and second concave members. The first and second locating members can each include at least one opening for receiving a marking instrument. A method for locating the axis of rotation of a condyle can include positioning a first longitudinal bone in flexion relative to an adjacent second longitudinal bone, placing one of the concave members of the condyle axis locator under the condyle, and inserting a marking instrument in the opening of the locating member to mark the axis of rotation of the condyle.