Meniscal Allograft Clamp Jig for Reproducible Bone Block Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for shaping meniscal allografts into keyhole shapes for anatomical reconstruction are difficult to reproduce, require long preparation times, and can cause tissue damage due to multiple clamping.
Innovation Solution
A clamp and jig system is used to prepare a dovetail-shaped meniscal implant, allowing for accurate shaping of meniscal tissue with a single clamp application, reducing tissue damage and preparation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamping operations are performed to shape the meniscal allograft, then the tissue can be secured for cutting, but the tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single clamp device that can hold the meniscal allograft securely throughout the entire shaping process. The clamp integrates multiple securing points and mechanisms (screws, bars, and clamping surfaces) that work together to maintain tissue stability without requiring repeated clamping operations, thereby reducing tissue damage while ensuring reliable securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to preliminarily secure the meniscal allograft in the correct position before any cutting begins. The device includes pre-positioned clamping surfaces and adjustment mechanisms that establish proper alignment and fixation upfront, eliminating the need for subsequent clamping adjustments during the shaping process and minimizing tissue handling and damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If a keyhole shape is prepared through cortical and cartilagenous surface, then anatomical reconstruction is achieved, but the preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp itself serves as a template or copy of the desired keyhole shape. The clamping blocks are shaped to match the target anatomical configuration, and the meniscal allograft is shaped by following the contours of the clamp blocks. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex, time-consuming manual shaping while maintaining high anatomical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface shaping to three-dimensional volumetric shaping by using shaped clamp blocks that contact the meniscal allograft at multiple points and surfaces simultaneously. This allows the keyhole shape to be established through controlled material removal guided by the three-dimensional clamp structure, significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the meniscal allograft is shaped to match the keyhole groove, then anatomical reconstruction is improved, but the difficulty of preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is self-aligning and self-guiding. The shaped clamp blocks automatically guide the cutting process by providing physical contact surfaces that define the keyhole geometry. The device includes built-in alignment features and reference surfaces that ensure accurate shape matching without requiring complex measurement or adjustment procedures, making the preparation process easier while maintaining high precision.
4Measurement precision
If multiple clamping operations are used to secure the tissue, then the tissue can be positioned accurately, but the consistency of reproduction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is designed as a universal fixture that performs all positioning and securing functions in a single operation. The device includes multiple clamping surfaces, adjustment mechanisms, and alignment features that work together to establish accurate tissue positioning consistently across different preparations. This multi-functional design eliminates variability introduced by multiple separate clamping operations, significantly improving reproducibility while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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
The system enables more consistent and efficient preparation of meniscal implants with less tissue damage, facilitating easier and more accurate shaping of bone blocks for transplantation.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp with a first block and a second block, the first block and second block connected by a threaded screw rod that allows the first block and second block to be moved closer or farther from one another through corresponding screw threads
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods here include a meniscal allograft with a bone block and a technique for making a desired shape in the bone block to be used to implant in a patient. A clamp and/or jig arrangement are disclosed that are able to secure the tissue and allow three corresponding cuts to the tissue using the clamp as a guide to a saw to obtain the desired shape.