Modular Knee Prosthesis Implantation Kit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for implanting modular knee prostheses require a large number of auxiliary components, increasing complexity and difficulty for healthcare workers during surgery, especially when anatomical references from the primary prosthesis are absent, leading to unreliable reference points and increased complexity in positioning and adjusting the new prosthesis.

Innovation Solution

A kit with a minimal number of cooperating components, including a modular reaming assembly with interchangeable tubular bodies, an adjustable unit for defining the prosthesis installation position, and guiding templates, which allows for precise alignment using fixed reference points and facilitates adjustments and corrections, reducing the complexity of the surgical procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional surgical techniques are used with multiple reamers and cutting guides, then the diaphyseal canals can be prepared and bone surfaces leveled, but the quantity of auxiliary components increases considerably, entailing difficulties in management and increasing the complexity of operating procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation precisionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reaming assembly is divided into modular components: a handle, an interchangeable tubular body section, and a cutting tool. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision while reducing the total number of auxiliary components needed, as the modular design eliminates the need for multiple separate reamers and guides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reaming assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that combines reaming, cutting, and alignment functions in a single integrated system. The interchangeable tubular body sections allow the same handle and cutting tool to perform multiple operations, eliminating the need for numerous specialized auxiliary components.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional techniques are used without anatomical references from primary prosthesis, then the procedure can be performed on damaged joints, but other less defined and reliable reference points are used, increasing complexity in positioning and adjusting the new prosthesis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to damaged jointsVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reaming assembly includes integrated alignment features and reference markings that are established during the reaming process itself, before prosthesis implantation. This preliminary establishment of reference points ensures accurate positioning even when original anatomical landmarks are absent or damaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular body section acts as an intermediary tool that transfers and maintains alignment information from the bone surface through the reaming process to the final prosthesis positioning. This intermediary structure provides reliable reference transmission without depending on original anatomical landmarks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If bone ends are prepared independently and simulacra are used for verification, then the procedure can be performed without anatomical references, but corrections require removal of simulacra and repositioning of reamers and guides, increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent preparationVSAvoidtime for corrections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reaming assembly combines the reaming function with integrated alignment and verification features in a single tool. This merging eliminates the need to remove and reposition separate simulacra and guides for corrections, as the alignment capabilities are built into the reaming tool itself, reducing operational steps and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2145590B8Kit for implanting modular knee prostheses
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 SOCAZIONARIA MATERIALE OSPEDALIERO S A M O

AI summary

A kit for implanting modular knee prostheses, comprising a modular reaming assembly (1), provided with a terminal cutting tool (2) of the removable type, an adjustable unit (3) for defining the installation position of the prosthesis and guiding templates (4), which can be associated with the unit (3), for cutting elements (5) required to cut bone portions that are incompatible with the prosthesis.