Magnetic Alignment Device for Intramedullary Nail Locking Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intramedullary nails often deform during insertion into bones, causing locking holes to misalign with aiming holes, making precise alignment challenging for surgeons using existing aiming devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a magnet inserted into the intramedullary nail and a sensing unit that detects the magnetic field to determine displacement, providing alignment signals for adjusting the aiming device to realign aiming holes with locking holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnet is inserted into the intramedullary nail to enable magnetic field detection for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods (visual alignment, X-ray imaging) with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet embedded in the intramedullary nail generates a magnetic field that is detected by a sensor in the aiming device, enabling automatic alignment without mechanical adjustment or radiographic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the intramedullary nail and the aiming device. Instead of direct mechanical contact or visual line-of-sight alignment, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that transmits alignment information from the nail to the sensor, enabling indirect but precise alignment measurement.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used to determine alignment adjustments, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detection system provides continuous real-time alignment feedback during the surgical procedure. The sensor continuously monitors the magnetic field strength as the aiming device is positioned, allowing for immediate alignment adjustments without the need to stop for X-ray imaging between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for X-ray imaging by substituting it with a magnetic field-based sensor system. This replacement removes the time-consuming step of acquiring and analyzing radiographic images while maintaining or improving alignment measurement accuracy through direct magnetic field detection.
3Productivity
If intramedullary nail is inserted into bone, then treatment is performed, but locking holes become misaligned with aiming holes
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is embedded in the intramedullary nail before insertion, establishing a reference marker in advance. This preliminary placement of the magnetic reference allows for post-insertion alignment detection without requiring additional surgical steps to add alignment features or perform complex measurements after the nail is in place.
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
Ensures accurate alignment of aiming holes with locking holes, reducing the need for X-ray adjustments and improving the precision of drill and fixation element placement during bone treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing unit detects a magnetic field produced by a magnet and outputs an alignment signal based on a magnetic field parameter at first and second locations relative to the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A device is for aligning an aiming hole of an aiming device with a locking hole of an intramedullary nail. The device includes a sensing unit sized and shaped for insertion through an aiming hole of an aiming device attachable to an intramedullary nail. The sensing unit detects a magnetic field produced by a magnet and outputs an alignment signal based on a magnetic field parameter at first and second locations relative to the magnet.