Joint Implant Positioning Marks for Surgical Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools and implants for repairing damaged cartilage in joints lack precision and accuracy, leading to potential misplacement, increased wear, and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A design method for creating a guide tool and implant with positioning marks that allow for precise rotational positioning and insertion of the implant in a joint, using a system that includes a guide tool with a positioning mark aligned with the joint axis, and an implant with positioning marks on its surface to guide orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical tools without positioning marks are used, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but the implant placement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is designed with integrated positioning marks that enable the tool itself to guide precise implant placement without requiring additional external positioning devices or complex alignment procedures. The positioning marks are directly incorporated into the tool structure, allowing the tool to serve its own positioning function
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning marks are designed to be visually distinct and easily identifiable during surgery. The marks may use contrasting colors or reflective properties to ensure high visibility against the surgical field background, enabling quick and accurate alignment without complex measurement procedures
2Reliability
If the implant is placed without precise rotational positioning, then the surgical procedure is faster, but the joint wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning marks are pre-configured on both the surgical tool and implant to indicate the correct rotational orientation before insertion. This preliminary visual guidance allows the surgeon to quickly align the implant in the correct orientation without time-consuming trial-and-error adjustments during the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical alignment procedures are replaced with a simple visual alignment system using positioning marks. Instead of requiring complex mechanical jigs or multiple measurement steps, the system uses visual markers that guide the surgeon to the correct rotational position through direct observation
3Manufacturing precision
If the implant placement relies on surgeon skill without positioning aids, then the tool design is simpler, but the placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is designed with integrated positioning marks that enable the tool itself to guide precise implant placement without requiring additional external positioning devices or complex alignment procedures. The positioning marks are directly incorporated into the tool structure, allowing the tool to serve its own positioning function
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning marks are designed with asymmetric patterns or unique configurations that provide unambiguous directional information. This asymmetric design ensures that there is only one correct rotational orientation, eliminating confusion and enabling accurate placement even for surgeons with varying levels of experience
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for designing an implant comprising designing a contour curvature of the implant so that an articulating surface of the implant is designed to correspond to a simulated healthy articulating surface of a damaged articulating surface of a joint. The implant is provided with at least one positioning mark designed to be used for determining the orientation in which the implant is to be placed in a recess made in a damaged articulating surface of a joint. Further, the present invention relates to methods for positioning and inserting a medical implant in a recess.