Dual Reconstructive Wire System for Orthopedic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic fastening systems face difficulties in engaging a template tool with an intramedullary nail after a prepositioned surgical wire, making it challenging to secure orthopedic screws effectively in anatomical structures like the hip.
Innovation Solution
A dual reconstructive wire system is introduced, where a first wire is used to engage the anatomy, and a second wire with a longer length is inserted without contacting the first wire, allowing for secure positioning and measurement using a gage with multiple scales to ensure accurate depth measurement, facilitating the insertion of orthopedic screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a template tool is inserted over a prepositioned surgical wire to guide a second wire, then the second wire can be positioned in relation to the first wire, but it becomes difficult or impossible to engage the template tool with an intramedullary nail after the first wire is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting both reconstructive wires through the intramedullary nail before attempting to engage the template tool. The wires are prepositioned through the nail's aperture, establishing their positions and relationships beforehand, which allows the template tool to be engaged with the nail without obstruction from the wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by having the wires extend through the nail along its longitudinal axis, while the template tool engages the nail laterally at its proximal end. This uses different spatial dimensions and planes of engagement, allowing both the wires and template tool to coexist without interference.
2Reliability
If the second wire is inserted after the first wire, then both wires can be positioned in the anatomy, but the instrument used to couple the second wire may contact the first wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by having both reconstructive wires passed through the intramedullary nail in sequence, with each wire nested within the same structural pathway. The nail acts as a guiding structure that contains both wires, preventing them from interfering with each other while maintaining their individual positions and functions.
3Ease of operation
If wires extend outside the anatomy, then they can be engaged and positioned, but accurate measurement of wire depth within the anatomy becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating measurement markings or indicators on the wires that extend outside the anatomy. These markings provide visual feedback about the depth to which the wires have been inserted, allowing the surgeon to accurately determine wire position while maintaining the wires' external accessibility for engagement and adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present teachings provide one or more surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a hip or femoral fracture. The present teachings can also provide one or more orthopedic screws that can be inserted in and/or removed from bone using any of a dedicated driver or any of commonly available drivers. The present teachings can further provide a surgical instrument that includes dual reconstructive wires and associated method, among other instruments and methods for repairing a hip or femoral fracture.