Elbow Rotation Guide Geometry for Fluoroscopy-Free Ligament Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the center of rotation of the elbow joint in surgical procedures are time-consuming, expose patients and providers to radiation, and suffer from inaccuracies and inconsistencies due to the use of radiographic or fluoroscopic imaging.
Innovation Solution
A surgical guide in the form of a cuboid with concentric and linear through-holes and bone engaging structures that allows precise identification of the center of rotation, eliminating the need for radiographic or fluoroscopic imaging by using geometric landmarks and instrumentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiographic or fluoroscopic images are used to determine the center of rotation, then the center of rotation can be identified, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and exposes patients and providers to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system with a mechanical surgical guide system. The guide consists of a body with concentric circles and linear patterns that physically mark the center of rotation and attachment points on the bone, eliminating the need for radiation-based imaging while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy of the anatomical landmarks on the guide body. The concentric circles replicate the rotational geometry of the elbow joint, and the linear patterns replicate the attachment point geometry, allowing surgeons to directly visualize and mark these locations without imaging.
2Measurement precision
If radiographic or fluoroscopic images are used to determine the center of rotation, then the center of rotation can be identified, but substantial rotational errors and inconsistencies among surgeons occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the imprecise radiographic system with a mechanically precise guide system that uses physical concentric circles and linear patterns etched on the guide body. This mechanical reference system eliminates the rotational errors and inconsistencies associated with image-based methods by providing a tangible, repeatable reference that all surgeons can use consistently.
3Loss of information
If imaging methods are used to determine the center of rotation, then anatomical information can be obtained, but radiation exposure to patients and providers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the radiation-based imaging system with a mechanical guide system that physically replicates anatomical landmarks. The concentric circles and linear patterns on the guide body provide the necessary anatomical information without requiring radiation exposure, thereby eliminating the harmful factor while maintaining information acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical constructs, assemblies and methods of elbow repair and reconstruction. A center of rotation guide has specific dimensions configured to be secured on either the lateral or medial side of the elbow. At one end, the guide is provided with a plurality of full concentric through-holes (circles of different diameters) with bisecting lines every 90 degrees to identify the center of rotation on the lateral and medial epicondyle. At another end, the guide is provided with a linear pattern of through-holes or apertures located about the centerline of the guide. The linear pattern of through-holes identifies the attachment point on the ulnar tuberosity. The concentric and linear pattern through-holes of the guide are sized to receive instrumentation such as K-wire guides and/or drill guides. One or more spikes or tines are provided on the bottom of the guide for stabilization during use.