Femoral Array Clamp for Flexible Bone Pin Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current femur tracking equipment in computer-assisted surgical procedures is limited to placement at the distal portion of the femur, near the knee, lacking flexibility and precision in tracking the femur at more advantageous proximal and intermediate locations.
Innovation Solution
A femoral array clamp system that includes a housing with a pin channel and throughbore, allowing for the sliding of a bone pin and insertion of an array arm, with a swage assembly and fastener to lock the bone pin and array arm in a secure physical relationship, enabling flexible orientation and positioning of bone pins at various trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current femur tracking equipment is used with rigid connection through bone pin, then tracking is achieved at distal portion of femur, but flexibility and precision in tracking at proximal and intermediate locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the femur tracking into multiple independent segments by allowing bone pins to be placed at different locations (proximal, intermediate, distal) and independently secured to the femur. Each bone pin can be separately positioned and locked, enabling flexible tracking at multiple locations simultaneously without requiring a single rigid connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection system. The bone pins can be inserted at various angles and positions, and the array clamp allows dynamic adjustment of the tracking array orientation relative to the bone pins, enabling precise tracking at any desired location along the femur.
2Ease of operation
If bone pin is rigidly connected to femur through skin, then tracking is simplified, but risk of soft tissue damage and surgical error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array clamp serves as an intermediary device between the bone pin and the tracking array. It provides a secure mechanical connection that distributes forces and reduces stress concentration at the skin entry point, thereby reducing soft tissue damage risk while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for preliminary positioning and orientation of bone pins before final securing. The array clamp enables pre-adjustment of the tracking array position and orientation, allowing surgeons to optimize the insertion trajectory and angle of bone pins to minimize soft tissue damage while ensuring accurate tracking.
3Device complexity
If tracking array is positioned close to knee, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different surgical requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The array clamp system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple bone pin configurations and tracking array orientations. It can be adapted to various surgical requirements including proximal, intermediate, and distal femur tracking, as well as different array configurations (single arm, dual arm, multi-arm), making it multi-functional without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for using a femoral array clamp can include sliding a first throughbore of a first femoral array clamp on a first bone pin having a distal end disposed within a bone: inserting an array arm through a second throughbore of the first femoral array clamp; and locking a physical relationship between the first bone pin and the array arm by actuating a first fastener of the first femoral array clamp.