Surgical Cutting Guide Dial and Collet Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical cutting guide systems for orthopedic procedures lack ease of use and efficiency in adjusting the depth and varus/valgus angle of cutting blocks, particularly in quickly reaching maximum angles and securely positioning them on bones.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a resection tower with a cutting block and a dial that allows for rapid depth adjustment and a valgus guide with a rotatable member and collet lock, enabling secure attachment to an intramedullary rod or nail for precise angle adjustments and quick depth changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a surgical cutting guide system uses traditional depth adjustment mechanisms, then the cutting block can be positioned at different depths, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and lacks speed
Solution Approach 1:
The dial mechanism transforms static depth positioning into dynamic adjustment. Rotating the dial causes the cutting block to move along a helical groove, enabling continuous and rapid depth adjustment from minimum to maximum depth and back, significantly reducing adjustment time compared to traditional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simplified dial-based system. The dial connected to the cutting block through a pin and helical groove mechanism substitutes for multi-component adjustment assemblies, achieving faster and more efficient depth control
2Ease of operation
If a surgical cutting guide system uses traditional varus/valgus angle adjustment mechanisms, then the cutting block can be angled, but reaching maximum angles requires extensive rotation and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable member with variable depth splines creates dynamic angle adjustment. Rotating the rotatable member less than 90 degrees allows the cutting block to reach maximum varus/valgus angles through the interaction of splines and spherical contacts, making angle adjustment quick and intuitive
Solution Approach 2:
The variable depth splines on the rotatable member change the geometric parameters of the adjustment mechanism. By varying the depth and positioning of splines, the system enables efficient angular adjustment where maximum angles are achieved with minimal rotation, improving operational ease
3Reliability
If a surgical cutting guide system uses pinning to secure the valgus guide to bone, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collet lock mechanism replaces the traditional pinning system for securing the valgus guide. The collet lock engages with the intramedullary rod or nail through a threaded engagement system, providing secure attachment without requiring bone penetration and pin insertion, thereby reducing securement time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The collet lock acts as an intermediary between the valgus guide and the intramedullary rod/nail. Instead of directly pinning the guide to bone, the collet lock mediates the connection by engaging with the existing intramedullary hardware, simplifying the securement process and reducing time requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Tools or other instruments can be used by a surgeon to complete an orthopedic procedure. One tool can include a resection tower and a valgus guide. The resection tower can include a cutting block and a dial coupled with the cutting block. The resection tower can be configured such that rotational movement of the dial, about an axis, effectuates movement of the cutting block along a plane substantially parallel with the axis. The dial, when rotated in a first direction, can move between a first position, which corresponds to a minimum cutting depth of the cutting block, and a second position, which corresponds to a maximum cutting depth of the cutting block. The valgus guide can be coupled with the resection tower and includes a rotatable member. The rotatable member can include an angular surface with one or more variable depth splines providing varus/valgus angle adjustment of the cutting block.