Distal Nail Targeting Block for Precise Humerus Screw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The free-hand technique for targeting screws at the distal end of a humerus bone during fracture fixation is challenging due to difficulties in aligning a drill bit with nail holes using fluoroscopy, and anatomical variations among patients complicate the process.
Innovation Solution
A targeting device with a flexible member, adjustable targeting block, and alignment assembly aids in accurately aligning drill bits with screw holes in the distal end of a nail installed in the humerus, using fluoroscopy guidance and removable inserts to distinguish between medial/lateral and anterior/posterior planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the free-hand technique is used to align drill bit with nail holes using fluoroscopy, then the surgeon can visually locate the nail holes, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to difficulty in stabilizing multiple variables (surgeon's arm, drill bit, C-arm) and anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a targeting device as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the drill bit. This device includes a targeting body with a targeting block that has multiple holes, where at least one hole is aligned with a nail hole. The targeting device stabilizes the alignment process by providing a fixed reference structure that eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually stabilize multiple variables, thereby improving alignment precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting device creates a simplified copy or representation of the anatomical structure by providing a targeting block with holes that correspond to the nail holes. This copying approach allows the surgeon to work with a standardized interface rather than dealing with the complexity of direct anatomical variation, improving both alignment precision and operational ease.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid targeting structure is used to maintain stable alignment, then the alignment precision improves, but the adaptability to anatomical variations and surgical plane requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible member that connects the base plate to the targeting block, allowing the targeting block to move relative to the base plate. This dynamic structure enables the targeting device to adapt to different anatomical variations and surgical requirements while maintaining stable alignment during the actual drilling process. The flexibility allows for adjustment between different planes (medial/lateral and anterior/posterior) without sacrificing alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting device is divided into separate components: a base plate that attaches to the nail, a flexible member for connection, and a targeting block with multiple holes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the base plate provides stable attachment, the flexible member provides adaptability, and the targeting block provides precise alignment references for different planes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a new and innovative device for aiding in screw installation through a distal end of a nail installed in a patient's bone (e.g., humerus). The nail's distal end is disposed away from an insertion point of the nail into the bone. The targeting device includes a targeting body having an outer frame, a flexible member connected to the outer frame, a targeting block having multiple holes and connected to the flexible member such that the flexibility of the flexible member enables the targeting block to translate towards sides of the outer frame, and an adjustment assembly that adjusts and maintains the targeting block's position relative to the sides of the outer frame. The targeting device further includes a base plate removably coupled to the targeting body. The targeting device may be coupled to the nail at the base plate.