Patient-Specific Ligament Guide for Joint Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint reconstruction surgery methods are not sufficiently accurate, relying on two-dimensional x-ray films and non-patient specific alignment guides, which can lead to inadequate reproduction of natural joint movement and require shaping prosthetics during surgery.
Innovation Solution
Patient-specific alignment guides that engage soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, or fat to accurately position instruments relative to bones, using preoperative three-dimensional models generated from imaging scans to create custom guides that lock onto bone or soft tissue landmarks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-patient specific alignment guides are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed with standard instrumentation, but the accuracy of joint reconstruction is insufficient and natural joint movement cannot be reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating patient-specific alignment guides before surgery based on pre-operative imaging (CT or MRI scans). The guides are custom-fabricated to match the patient's unique anatomy, allowing precise reproduction of natural joint movement without requiring intraoperative adjustments. This pre-planning approach resolves the contradiction by establishing high accuracy through customized guides while keeping the actual surgical procedure straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital 3D models of the patient's joint anatomy from imaging scans, then using these digital models to fabricate physical alignment guides that are exact replicas of the patient's unique bone structures. This copying process enables precise reproduction of natural joint geometry and movement patterns, achieving high measurement precision while using standardized additive manufacturing processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If patient-specific alignment guides are used, then surgical precision is enhanced, but the device complexity and customization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing alignment guides that can be used with multiple different surgical instruments during the procedure. The guides include various features such as drill guides, cutting guides, and implant positioning features that work with different tool types. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by using a single customized guide rather than multiple specialized tools, while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the level of customization in the alignment guides based on surgical requirements. The guides can be designed with different degrees of complexity depending on the specific patient anatomy and surgical procedure needed. This allows optimization of manufacturing precision while controlling device complexity by adjusting design parameters such as guide features, materials, and fabrication methods.
3Measurement precision
If soft tissue engagement features are added to alignment guides, then positioning accuracy relative to bone is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the alignment guide into distinct functional components: a body portion that interfaces with bone and soft tissue engagement features (hooks, notches, slits, slots, or tabs) that separately engage with ligaments, tendons, or fat. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using a unified patient-specific design, improving positioning accuracy without excessive complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an instrument toward a bone for implantation of a prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a body portion having a guide element, and a patient-specific portion having at least one patient-specific mating feature that is configured to engage a soft tissue at or near the bone. A method of manufacturing a guide tool for guiding an instrument toward a bone is also disclosed.