Surgical Drill Alignment Guide for Bone Screw Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate placement of bone screws in bone fractures is challenging, especially when bones are internal, as visual estimation of the trajectory is difficult, leading to potential misalignment and complications.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drill alignment guide assembly comprising a first and second alignment arm with through holes for receiving wires, and a drill guide attached to the first alignment arm, which facilitates accurate alignment of the drill bit along the longitudinal axis of the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual estimation of the trajectory is used for drilling, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the accuracy of drill bit alignment with the bone axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drill alignment guide as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bone. The guide includes alignment arms with through-holes for receiving reference wires, and a drill guide component with a hollow shaft that directs the drill bit. This intermediary tool translates the desired trajectory into precise drill bit alignment, solving the accuracy problem without requiring complex imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by first inserting reference wires into the bone along the desired trajectory before drilling. The alignment guide is then attached to these pre-placed wires, using them as guides to establish the correct drill path. This preliminary wire placement creates a physical template that ensures accurate subsequent drilling, eliminating the need for complex real-time visualization during the critical drilling phase.
2Measurement precision
If a drill alignment guide is introduced to improve accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The drill alignment guide is segmented into distinct functional components: alignment arms (first and second) that attach to reference wires, a drill guide component with hollow shaft, and through-holes for wire reception. Each segment performs a specific function - the alignment arms establish the trajectory plane, the through-holes receive guiding wires, and the hollow shaft directs the drill bit. This segmentation allows the complex function to be achieved through simple, modular parts that can be assembled and used systematically.
3Reliability
If the alignment guide uses multiple alignment arms and through holes, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase, but the reliability of alignment improves
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide employs self-service principles where the reference wires inserted through the through-holes serve as the ultimate alignment reference. The rigid connection between the alignment arms and drill guide component ensures that once the wires are properly positioned, the entire system self-aligns without requiring additional adjustment or high-precision manufacturing of the drill path itself. The manufacturing precision requirements are shifted to the simpler through-hole positions rather than the critical drill trajectory.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical drill alignment guide is disclosed that can provide an accurate trajectory for placement of a bone screw along a longitudinal axis of a bone.