Geared Instrument for Tibial Stem Reaming via Axis Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ankle replacement surgeries require multiple incisions, increasing recovery time and the risk of infection, as they necessitate direct axial access to the tibial canal for implant stem hole formation.
Innovation Solution
A geared instrument system that translates rotation about a first axis to rotation about a second axis, allowing a modular head to perform surgical procedures without the need for additional incisions, by using a handle, translation gear, and stem with modular connections, enabling procedures like reaming and removal through a single anterior incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple incisions are made to provide access to the tibial canal, then direct axial access to the tibial canal is achieved, but recovery time increases and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from axial access (through the top of the tibia) to lateral access (through the side of the tibia). The reaming instrument is inserted through a lateral incision and approaches the tibial canal from the side, allowing stem reaming without requiring additional incisions on the bottom of the foot or top of the tibia. This dimensional change in access approach resolves the contradiction by achieving the same surgical goal through a different spatial pathway.
2Ease of operation
If multiple incisions are made to provide access to the tibial canal, then direct axial access to the tibial canal is achieved, but the risk of infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from axial access (through the top of the tibia) to lateral access (through the side of the tibia). The reaming instrument is inserted through a lateral incision and approaches the tibial canal from the side, allowing stem reaming without requiring additional incisions on the bottom of the foot or top of the tibia. This dimensional change in access approach resolves the contradiction by achieving the same surgical goal through a different spatial pathway.
3Ease of operation
If a geared instrument is used to translate rotation about a first axis to rotation about a second axis, then axial access to the tibial canal is enabled through a single incision, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a geared instrument as an intermediary device that translates rotational motion from a first axis to a second axis. This mechanical intermediary allows the surgeon to operate through a single lateral incision while the gear mechanism converts the rotational input into the appropriate rotational output for stem reaming. The complexity of the geared instrument is traded for the benefit of reduced incisions and simplified surgical procedure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of incisions needed, minimizing recovery time and infection risk while allowing for efficient surgical procedures like ankle resectioning and replacement by enabling axial access through a single incision.
Implementation Method 1
A translation gear is configured to couple to the handle. A stem is coupled to the gear and rotates in unison with the gear. The translation gear is configured to translate the rotation of the handle about the first axis to rotation of the stem about the second axis.
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to a geared instrument. The geared instrument is configured to translate rotation about a first axis to rotation about a second axis. The geared instrument comprises a handle configured to rotate about the first axis. A translation gear is configured to couple to the handle. A stem is coupled to the translation gear and rotates in unison with the translation gear. The translation gear is configured to translate the rotation of the handle about the first axis to rotation of the stem about the second axis. The stem is configured to couple to a modular head.