Joint Alignment Guide for Minimally Invasive Bone Resurfacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint surface preparation methods require large incisions and lack minimally invasive techniques, often involving saw blades without the aid of guides.
Innovation Solution
A guide system comprising a cut guide and alignment guide, along with a cleaning system and cutting instrument, allows for minimally invasive joint surface preparation by aligning and removing bone portions using wires and cutting instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open technique with large incision is used, then joint surface preparation can be performed, but tissue damage increases and recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into two distinct phases: first inserting the alignment guide through a small incision to establish proper positioning, then coupling the cut guide for precise bone removal. This segmentation allows minimally invasive entry while maintaining surgical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide serves as an intermediary device that is inserted through the small incision and used to couple the cut guide to the bone. This intermediary enables the connection between the external cutting tool and the internal bone structure without requiring a large incision.
2Productivity
If saw blade is used for joint surface preparation, then cartilage and subchondral bone can be removed, but minimally invasive approach is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide acts as an intermediary that transmits the positioning information from the small incision site to the internal joint structure, enabling the saw blade to be used effectively through a minimally invasive approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the complexity from the incision dimension to the guiding dimension. Instead of making the incision large to accommodate the saw, the saw remains external while the alignment guide provides the necessary dimensional control through a different spatial pathway.
3Productivity
If currently used techniques are performed without guide, then surgical procedure can be completed, but precision and alignment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide is inserted and positioned before the actual cutting procedure begins. This preliminary action establishes the correct alignment and positioning, ensuring that subsequent bone removal maintains precise alignment without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide serves as a mediating device that transfers the alignment requirements from the surgical plan to the actual bone cutting process, ensuring precision is maintained throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Guides, instruments, devices, systems and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or resurfacing the multiple bones of a joint are disclosed. The guide system includes a cut guide and an alignment guide for engagement with the cut guide. The guide system also includes a cleaning system with a guide and a cutting instrument. Methods of using the guide system and cleaning system are also disclosed.