Converging-Axis Drill Guide for Precise Bone Tunnel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical drilling techniques for bone-to-bone fixation in ligament or tendon reconstruction struggle with precise alignment of bone tunnels due to the proximity and complexity of bones, making it difficult to achieve optimal anatomical response.
Innovation Solution
A drill guide system comprising a guide arm, guide body, k-wire guide, and locking rod, which allows for precise alignment of bone tunnels by converging longitudinal axes at a drill angle, with interchangeable instrumentation for efficient surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional surgical drilling techniques are used for bone-to-bone fixation, then the procedure can be performed, but precise alignment of bone tunnels is difficult to achieve due to the proximity and complexity of bones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drill guide as an intermediary device that mediates between the surgeon and the bone drilling process. The guide includes a guide arm with a guide tunnel that receives a drill bit, and a positioning mechanism with a ball and socket joint that enables precise angular alignment. This intermediary device simplifies the complex task of achieving precise bone tunnel alignment by providing a mechanical framework that guarantees correct angles and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill guide is designed with pre-configured geometric features including a guide arm with a specific length and angle, a guide tunnel positioned at predetermined angles relative to the bone surface, and a ball and socket joint pre-set to provide the correct drill angle. These preliminary actions are built into the device structure before surgery, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and adjustments during the procedure.
2Productivity
If interchangeable instrumentation is used, then surgical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill guide is designed as a universal device that can be used for multiple surgical scenarios. The guide arm can be positioned at different locations on the bone surface, the guide tunnel can accommodate different drill bit sizes, and the ball and socket joint can be adjusted to provide various drill angles. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to handle different surgical needs, improving efficiency without requiring an entirely new device for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill guide is divided into separable components including a guide arm, a guide body, and a positioning mechanism. The guide arm can be detached from the guide body, and the ball and socket joint can be separated from the guide arm. This segmentation allows for easy sterilization, storage, and replacement of individual components, facilitating interchangeable instrumentation while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide and method for drilling a bone tunnel at a drill angle comprising a guide arm having an elongated segment joined to a connecting segment, a guide body having a hook terminating in a hook tip adapted to engage a distal side of the bone, a k-wire guide, and a locking rod; the elongated segment comprising a k-wire guide tunnel adapted to receive the k-wire guide; the connecting segment comprising a distal end having a guide arm tunnel; a longitudinal axis of the guide arm tunnel and a longitudinal axis of the k-wire guide tunnel converging at an angle equal to the drill angle; the guide body adapted to receive the connecting segment distal end and form a locking rod tunnel adapted to receive the locking rod; the k-wire guide and the locking rod each having a tip end adapted to engage a proximal side of the bone.