Intramedullary Nail Aiming Device Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intramedullary nails often deform during insertion into the medullary canal, making it challenging for surgeons to accurately locate distal holes, especially due to the limitations of using X-rays for visualization, which are not ideal due to radiation exposure and inaccuracy from free-hand drilling.
Innovation Solution
An aiming device system with a sliding support and rotatable guide body that aligns guide sleeves with distal holes of the intramedullary nail, utilizing a probe and position sensor assembly to ensure accurate alignment without X-rays, and a probe retention mechanism to fix the probe in the correct position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-rays are used to visualize distal holes, then hole location can be determined, but radiation exposure and inaccuracy from free-hand drilling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of a light source positioned at the distal end of the nail and an optical sensor at the proximal end. This intermediary optical pathway allows visualization of the distal hole location without using ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating the harmful radiation effect while maintaining measurement precision through optical detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical free-hand drilling method with a guided drilling system. The optical sensor detects the position of the distal hole and provides feedback to guide the drilling mechanism, substituting the imprecise mechanical free-hand operation with a sensor-guided system that eliminates radiation exposure while improving accuracy
2Ease of operation
If free-hand drilling is performed, then drilling operation is simple, but accuracy in locating distal holes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through automatic optical detection and feedback. The optical sensor automatically detects the distal hole position and the system provides self-guidance for drilling, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning while maintaining ease of operation through automated alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors the position of drilling tools relative to the distal hole location. This real-time feedback allows the surgeon to adjust drilling trajectory dynamically, maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving location accuracy through continuous optical guidance
3Measurement precision
If sensor is positioned at certain relative location to source unit, then distal hole location can be determined, but adjusting sensor to desired position becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the optical sensor at a fixed, predetermined location relative to the source unit during device assembly. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for difficult intraoperative sensor adjustment, as the sensor is already configured at the optimal location before the procedure begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the sensor position to be easily modified during operation if needed. The mounting mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, enabling simple repositioning of the sensor along the nail structure without requiring complex adjustment procedures
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
The aiming device system enables precise alignment of bone anchor guides with distal holes, reducing deformation-related alignment issues and eliminating the need for X-rays, thereby improving surgical accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The source unit can be configured to emit a signal that is received by a sensor unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An aiming device system that is configured to align at least one bone anchor guide to a first distal hole of an intramedullary nail can include an aiming arm that is configured to be operatively coupled to the intramedullary nail and an aiming guide. The aiming arm can define a sliding support that is elongate along a first direction. The aiming guide can include a guide body that defines at least a first bone anchor guide. The aiming guide is attached to the aiming arm such that the aiming guide is selectably movable along the sliding support, and selectably rotatable relative to the aiming arm. When the first bone anchor guide is retaining the guide sleeve, at least one of the selectable movement and selectable rotation of the guide body at least partially aligns the first bone anchor guide with the first distal hole of the intramedullary nail.