Orthopedic Forming Tool Guide Slot for Offset Implant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges arise in properly aligning orthopedic implants due to anatomical variations and geometrical constraints, leading to compromised implant placement, reduced bone coverage, and increased stress on the implant device, which can result in failures such as subsidence and loosening.
Innovation Solution
A forming tool with a guide slot that allows for asymmetrical displacement about a guide, enabling adjustable positioning of the implant components relative to the intramedullary canal, facilitating optimal bone coverage and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metaphyseal and/or diaphyseal implant or augment is added to accommodate anatomical variations, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but geometrical constraints prevent proper alignment and component positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The forming tool incorporates a guide slot that allows dynamic adjustment of the tool's position and orientation relative to the intramedullary canal. This enables the implant to be positioned at various locations and angles to accommodate different patient anatomies while maintaining proper alignment through adjustable guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant system is divided into modular components including the intramedullary stem, metaphyseal/diaphyseal augment, and articular component. Each segment can be independently positioned and aligned using the adjustable forming tool, allowing customization to patient anatomy while maintaining overall construct integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If implant components are positioned to accommodate anatomical variations, then adaptability is improved, but bone coverage is reduced leading to compromised loading to cortical rim
Solution Approach 1:
The guide slot enables dynamic positioning of the forming tool to optimize bone coverage. By adjusting the tool's position within the guide slot, the surgeon can maximize the contact area between the implant and cortical bone while still accommodating anatomical variations in the intramedullary canal geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stem size is reduced to offset stem position, then adaptability to anatomy is improved, but implant strength and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a stem portion and a separate metaphyseal/diaphyseal augment. This allows the stem to maintain its optimal size and strength characteristics while the augment provides the necessary adaptation to patient anatomy. The augment acts as an independent component that can be customized without compromising the structural integrity of the stem.
4Device complexity
If conventional preparatory instrumentation with fixed geometrical constraints is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to attain proper alignment is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The forming tool incorporates a guide slot that provides adjustable guidance rather than fixed constraints. This dynamic guidance system allows the tool to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations while maintaining proper alignment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments while improving alignment precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A forming tool for use with a bone preparation device to form an opening or shape in a bone, such as, for example, an opening for an augment of an orthopedic implant device. The forming tool can include a guide slot that extends through an outer wall of the forming tool, the guide slot being symmetrical or asymmetrical in cross sectional shape. The guide slot is adapted to axially receive insertion of a guide that can be structured for placement in an intramedullary canal of a bone of a patient. Additionally, the guide slot can be sized to accommodate linear, angular, and/or rotational displacement of the forming tool about the received guide in a manner that can offset at least the position of the opening formed in the bone relative to one or more reference axes.