Lateral Implant Guide Assembly with Quick-Release Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In reconstructive hip procedures, there is a need for improved implants and guide instruments that facilitate easy alignment, insertion, and removal of trochanteric bolts, especially for cases where the greater trochanter is resected, fractured, or requires additional support due to bone loss.
Innovation Solution
A guide assembly comprising an outrigger, alignment tube, support, and quick-release system that allows for the secure positioning and alignment of a lateral fastener with a femoral body implant, enabling the insertion of a trochanteric bolt and support plate, and includes a method for determining the required fastener length using a marker and indicia on the alignment sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional guide instruments are used for trochanteric bolt insertion, then the procedure can be performed, but alignment precision and ease of operation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide assembly as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the trochanteric bolt insertion process. The guide assembly includes a guide shaft that extends through the femoral implant to the lateral surface, providing a precise pathway for bolt insertion. This intermediary device ensures accurate alignment while simplifying the surgical procedure by pre-establishing the insertion trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly is inserted and positioned before the actual bolt insertion to pre-establish the correct alignment pathway. The guide shaft is advanced through the femoral implant body to the lateral surface, creating a pre-formed trajectory that guides subsequent bolt insertion. This preliminary positioning action ensures precision before the critical insertion step occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the greater trochanter is resected or fractured to provide access, then access to the joint is improved, but structural support and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a guide shaft for positioning, a lateral surface engagement portion for stability, and an insertion guide for bolt placement. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements - access, support, and precision - independently while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly acts as an intermediary structure that provides temporary structural support during the surgical procedure. It bridges the gap between the resected trochanteric area and the femoral implant, maintaining stability and alignment while the surgeon performs the necessary operations. The guide assembly can be removed after use, allowing for optimal access without permanent structural compromise.
3Strength
If additional support structures are added to compensate for bone loss, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly performs multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it provides alignment guidance, structural support during insertion, and a positioning reference for bolt placement. By combining these functions into one device rather than requiring separate tools for each function, the overall device complexity is minimized while maintaining structural integrity and support capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in guiding a lateral fastener into a lateral bore of a femoral body implant. The method can use an outrigger having an arm portion, a leg portion that extends from the arm portion, and an alignment tube that extends from the leg portion. The method can further use a support pad and an adjustable shaft member that couples to the support pad and the leg portion. A shaft member can be adjustably maintained in a position relative to the leg portion by a quick-release system.