Drill Guide Anchor Placement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing a joint by inserting anchors are inefficient and inaccurate, particularly in securing the knee joint capsule to the knee joint structure, as they lack precise control over anchor placement location and angle.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument comprising a drill guide with a reference guide attached, positioned at a predetermined angle and height to avoid anatomical structures, allowing for precise placement of anchors at a defined offset and angle relative to a reference line, facilitating accurate insertion of anchors into the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anchor insertion methods are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the anchor placement accuracy and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drill guide as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the anchor insertion process. The drill guide includes a reference guide with reference line and reference angle indicators that mediate the translation of surgical intent into precise anchor placement, thereby improving accuracy without requiring the surgeon to directly measure and calculate each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The drill guide is pre-configured with reference lines and angle indicators that establish the correct anchor placement parameters before the actual anchor insertion. The reference guide provides pre-determined angular relationships and positional references that guide the drilling and anchor placement operations, eliminating the need for real-time measurement and calculation during the critical insertion phase
2Productivity
If traditional anchor insertion methods are used, then the procedure can be completed, but the surgical efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated drill guide device. The reference guide, drill guide, and angle indicators are merged into one instrument that simultaneously provides reference line establishment, drilling guidance, and angle control, thereby improving surgical efficiency without sacrificing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The drill guide serves multiple functions: it establishes reference lines, guides drill bit positioning, controls anchor insertion angles, and provides visual alignment indicators. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate instruments and measurement steps, improving productivity while maintaining accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If anchor placement is performed without a reference guide, then the instrument design is simpler, but the anchor placement location and angle cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The reference guide acts as an intermediary structure that translates complex spatial relationships into simple visual indicators. Rather than requiring the drill guide itself to embody all geometric constraints, the reference guide provides intermediate reference lines and angle markers that mediate between the surgeon's intent and the final anchor placement geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the reference guide with its reference line and angle indicators, and the drill guide portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity. The reference guide can be attached to or integrated with the drill guide, providing modular flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems disclosed herein provide systems and methods for anchor placement.