Joint Trial Spacer Structure for Low-Gap Laxity Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint arthroplasty tools face limitations in assessing joint laxity due to a minimum gap profile created by the thickness of the tensioner tool, preventing accurate measurement of lower minimum gaps during post-operative trialing.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a trial component with a base plate and a superior spacer that allows for a cavity to receive a tensioner tool, enabling the spacer to move between positions to accommodate the tool's thickness, facilitating accurate gap measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tensioner tool is inserted between the femur and tibia to measure joint laxity, then joint laxity assessment is enabled, but a minimum gap profile is created that prevents measurement of gaps smaller than the tool thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner tool is nested within the trial component structure. The trial component includes a base plate coupled to the tibia and a superior spacer that can be positioned relative to the base plate, creating a receiving structure that accommodates the tensioner tool without requiring the tool to create a minimum gap between bones. This nesting allows the measurement function while eliminating the minimum gap constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The trial component acts as an intermediary between the tensioner tool and the bone interface. By introducing this intermediate structure with its base plate and superior spacer, the system enables force transmission and gap measurement without the tensioner tool directly creating the minimum gap profile between the femur and tibia.
2Measurement precision
If the superior spacer is moved to a separated position to accommodate the tensioner tool, then gap profiles less than tool thickness can be measured, but the structural stability of the trial component is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The superior spacer is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between a contact position (providing stability) and a separated position (enabling measurement). This dynamic adjustment allows the trial component to adapt its structure based on whether measurement is required or structural support is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The trial component is segmented into a base plate and a superior spacer that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the superior spacer to be positioned separately to accommodate the tensioner tool while the base plate remains stable on the bone, enabling measurement without compromising overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assessing laxity of a joint is disclosed. The device comprises a trial component comprising a base plate configured to couple to a tibia of the joint and a superior spacer coupled to the base plate. The base plate and the superior spacer define a cavity therebetween that may receive a portion of a tensioner tool. When force is applied via the tensioner tool, the superior spacer is configured to be selectively moved from a first position in contact with a superior surface of the base plate to a second position separated from the superior surface. A system for assessing laxity of a joint including a first bone and a second bone is also disclosed. The system comprises the trial component, the tensioner tool, and a processor configured to determine a gap distance associated with the first bone and the second bone during tensioning.