Hip Stem Alignment Guide for Joint Prosthesis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint arthroplasty procedures face challenges in ensuring the accurate positioning and orientation of artificial joint prostheses before bone cement curing, particularly in procedures lacking reliable multi-dimensional alignment methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of an alignment guide system comprising a guide body, an alignment member, and a locking member to secure the alignment member in a fixed position, allowing for precise alignment of the prosthesis relative to the bone before cement curing, facilitating adjustments in height, varus/valgus, and version alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone cement is used to secure the prosthesis, then the prosthesis can be firmly attached to the bone, but movement between the prosthesis and bone occurs until the cement cures, making it difficult to maintain proper positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide acts as an intermediary device between the prosthesis and the bone, providing a mechanical reference system that maintains proper alignment during the cementing process. The guide includes alignment members with indicators that extend through the prosthesis stem, allowing the surgeon to visually verify and maintain correct positioning and orientation while the bone cement cures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the prosthesis is inserted without an alignment guide, then the procedure is simpler and faster, but accurate multi-dimensional positioning and orientation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide is segmented into multiple functional components: a guide body that interfaces with the prosthesis, alignment members that extend through the stem, and indicators that provide visual feedback. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The alignment members are positioned at specific orientations to control different degrees of freedom, providing precise multi-dimensional positioning without requiring a complex system.
3Manufacturing precision
If the alignment guide includes multiple adjustment capabilities, then precise multi-dimensional alignment can be achieved, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the alignment members that can be positioned at different heights and orientations within the prosthesis stem. The indicators on these members can be adjusted to match desired alignment parameters. This dynamic adjustability allows precise control of multi-dimensional alignment (varus/valgus, anteversion, inclination) while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual feedback and simple mechanical adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis alignment guide includes a guide body that has an opening that extends at least partially therein and a first alignment hole extending entirely therethrough. The opening is configured to receive a trunnion of a joint prosthesis for mounting the guide body to the joint prosthesis. An alignment member is disposed within the first alignment hole and is axially moveable therein. A locking member is engaged to the guide body and moveable from a first position in which the locking member is disengaged from the alignment member and a second position in which the locking member engages the alignment member and secures it from axial movement within the first alignment hole.