Meniscal Dovetail Slot Conversion for Rectangular Graft Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing meniscal allografts are typically prepared in a dovetail shape, which some surgeons prefer to convert into a rectangular slot for surgical techniques, lacking an efficient conversion system.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a base with sidewalls and a removable cutting guide that allows for the conversion of a dovetail-shaped meniscal allograft into a rectangular slot, using a locking mechanism and slotted through-holes for precise cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a dovetail-shaped meniscal allograft is used, then the allograft can be prepared in a standard shape, but it requires additional conversion steps to achieve a rectangular slot for certain surgical techniques

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallograft preparationVSAvoidconversion system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional components: a base for supporting the allograft, sidewalls forming a guide structure, and a removable cutting guide with slots. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling the overall conversion from dovetail to rectangular shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting guide acts as an intermediary tool between the dovetail-shaped allograft and the desired rectangular slot. It provides pre-defined cutting paths that mediate the transformation process, making the conversion straightforward and accurate without requiring complex manual shaping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conversion system is added to transform dovetail to rectangular slot, then surgical technique versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical technique compatibilityVSAvoidconversion system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base device with sidewalls can accommodate different cutting guides for various slot configurations, making it a universal platform that supports multiple surgical techniques. The removable cutting guide can be exchanged based on the specific surgical requirement, allowing one base device to serve multiple functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting guide is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different surgical needs. This dynamic configuration enables surgeons to switch between different slot types as required by different surgical techniques without needing multiple dedicated devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4516269B1Meniscal dovetail slot converter
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ARTHREX INC
  • EP4516269B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4516269B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a meniscal allograft transplantation system (100) and methods of use.