Intramedullary Nail Aiming System Modular Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved intramedullary systems and instruments for aligning components to provide stabilization to bones and enhance patient outcomes in treating long bone fractures.

Innovation Solution

The development of intramedullary nail aiming systems, instruments, and methods that include a targeting system for inserting lag screws and distal fasteners, featuring anteversion alignment, anti-rotation systems, and lag screw aiming assemblies to ensure optimal alignment and placement of intramedullary nail components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional intramedullary nail insertion methods are used, then the procedure can be completed with simpler instruments, but the alignment precision and placement accuracy of lag screws and distal fasteners are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aiming system is divided into separate modular components including proximal aiming arms, distal aiming arms, deflection assemblies, and targeting modules that can be independently adjusted and assembled, allowing precise alignment without requiring a single complex monolithic device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically positioned and locked into place during the surgical procedure, enabling adaptation to different anatomical configurations while maintaining alignment precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If aiming systems with multiple adjustment components are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of operation and learning curve increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system includes self-aligning features and built-in reference markings that guide the operator through the positioning process, allowing the instrument to assist in its own alignment rather than requiring extensive external guidance or complex adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional insertion methods are used, then the surgical procedure is faster to set up, but the stabilization effectiveness and patient outcomes are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows pre-planning and pre-positioning of aiming arms and targeting modules before final nail insertion, enabling precise trajectory determination and component alignment to be completed in advance, which improves stabilization effectiveness without significantly extending total surgical time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4537772A1Intramedullary nail aiming systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

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AI summary

Intramedullary aiming systems, instruments, and methods of treating bone fractures are provided. The aiming systems may include one or more instruments configured to ensure optimal alignment and placement of one or more components of an intramedullary nailing system, such as anteversion alignment, anti-rotation, lag screw (14) aiming, distal aiming, and other instruments suitable to enhance and optimize the surgical procedure.