Total Joint Instrumentation Linkage Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing total joint instrumentation is cumbersome, difficult to assemble, and only allows for cuts based on estimated angles and rotations relative to a normal joint's mechanical axis, resulting in reconstructions that may not match the patient's original anatomy pre-disease.
Innovation Solution
A total joint instrument set featuring a guide assembly with a femoral alignment guide, cutting block, and varus/valgus alignment guide, along with a linkage guide and cutting block, which allows for precise orientation and linking of cuts in both bones, enabling accurate alignment and adjustment to match the patient's pre-disease anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing total joint instrumentation is used, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but the instrumentation is cumbersome and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument set is divided into separate functional modules including a guide assembly with femoral alignment guide and cutting block, and a separate linkage guide with its own cutting block. These modular components can be assembled and disassembled independently, making the overall system easier to handle and store while maintaining precision functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage bar serves as an intermediary component that mechanically connects the guide assembly to the linkage guide. This linkage bar transfers positioning information from the femoral side to the tibial side, enabling coordinated cutting guidance without requiring a single complex integrated device.
2Measurement precision
If existing total joint instrumentation is used, then cuts can be made, but only based on estimation of appropriate angle and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly is positioned on the femur first to establish accurate reference cuts and alignment. The linkage guide is then positioned based on the femoral positioning, creating a sequential reference system that preserves and transfers the patient's original anatomical relationships through the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage between the guide assembly and linkage guide provides real-time feedback on alignment and positioning. The linkage bar physically connects the two guides, ensuring that cuts made on both bones maintain proper angular and rotational relationships based on the patient's original anatomy.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing total joint instrumentation is used, then reconstruction can be performed, but it may not match the patient's original anatomy pre-disease
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly and linkage guide are designed to accommodate variations in patient-specific anatomy through adjustable positioning mechanisms and multiple reference points. Each guide can be locally adapted to the specific bone geometry and orientation, allowing precise reconstruction that matches the patient's original anatomy rather than forcing anatomy to fit a standard template.
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
Enables more accurate and personalized cuts in both bones, ensuring better alignment and fit for total joint implants, improving the precision and effectiveness of joint reconstruction surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The varus/valgus alignment guide includes a connecting surface that is magnetically connectable to a cutting surface of the cutting block.
Data Source
AI summary
A total joint instrument set according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a guide assembly that orients a cut in a first bone and a linkage guide that orients a cut in a second bone. A positioning of the linkage guide is mechanically linked to at least a portion of the guide assembly.