Height Measuring Tool for Implant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the proper positioning and orientation of implants in joint replacement procedures, such as shoulder arthroplasty, are challenging due to the difficulty in accurately assessing joint kinematics using prosthetic components with features suited for permanent implantation, particularly with trial stems that expand within the medullary canal.
Innovation Solution
A height measuring tool and method that includes a body member, a slidable member, and a height reference member, allowing for objective marking of the implant's height and orientation relative to the bone, using a slider and pointer system with locking mechanisms to ensure accurate positioning and frictional engagement, facilitating the determination of the correct implant placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trial stems are designed to correspond to implant in size and shape for permanent implantation features, then the implant structure is optimized for bony ingrowth and adhesion, but it becomes difficult to establish proper position and orientation for the implant in the humerus
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct segments: a trial stem component and a separate gauge component. This segmentation allows the trial stem to be optimized for implantation features while the gauge provides measurement capabilities, resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and ease of positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge acts as an intermediary tool that couples to the trial stem to provide measurement functionality. This intermediary device enables accurate height and version measurement without modifying the trial stem's implantation features, thus maintaining both fixation reliability and ease of positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expanding trial stems are used in shoulder replacements, then the trial stem can be temporarily inserted into the medullary canal, but it becomes difficult to establish the proper position and orientation for the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge serves as an intermediary measurement tool that couples to the expanding trial stem. It provides precise height and version measurements through mechanical indicators (bone position indicator contacting bone surface, version indicator aligned with anatomical landmarks) without interfering with the trial stem's expansion and adaptation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective mechanical measurement systems. The bone position indicator mechanically contacts the bone surface to establish zero reference, and the version indicator uses mechanical alignment with anatomical landmarks, substituting operator judgment with measurable mechanical references.
3Ease of operation
If subjective assessment methods are used for determining implant positioning, then the procedure is simpler, but the accuracy of joint kinematics evaluation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective mechanical measurement systems. The bone position indicator mechanically contacts the bone surface to establish a zero reference point, and the version indicator provides mechanical alignment references, substituting operator judgment with measurable mechanical references that maintain procedural simplicity while enhancing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge provides immediate mechanical feedback through the position of the bone position indicator and version indicator. These indicators give real-time, objective feedback on height and version, allowing the surgeon to make precise adjustments based on measurable references rather than subjective assessment.
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 solution simplifies the determination of proper implant positioning and orientation, reducing subjective assessment and enhancing the accuracy of joint kinematics evaluation, thereby improving the precision of implant placement and preserving joint range of motion.
Implementation Method 1
The height reference member may include at least one knob configured to increase or decrease frictional engagement between the height reference member and the body member
Data Source
AI summary
A height measuring tool may include a body member configured to releasably couple to an implant component. A slidable member having a distal end surface may be coupled to the body member. A height reference member may also be coupled to the body member. Movement of the sliding member in a distal direction in relation to the body member may cause corresponding movement of the height reference member in the distal direction when the sliding member is engaged to the height reference member and the height reference member is in an unlocked state. Generally, when an implant component is attached to the height measuring tool, a user may insert the implant component at least partially into a bone, with the slidable member and the height reference member used in conjunction to objectively mark off a height of the implant component relative to the bone.