Modular Tibial Alignment Guide for Mini C-Arm Ankle Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing total ankle replacement (TAR) systems lack modularity to address various patient conditions and are designed for full-size c-arms, making them unsuitable for use in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs with mini c-arms, and there is a lack of consensus on optimal alignment methods, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A tibial alignment guide and cutting system that is modular and compatible with mini c-arms, featuring adjustable components and markings for precise positioning, allowing for micro and macro adjustments, and includes features like angled fastener holes, star-shaped cut-outs, and removable cutting pieces for versatile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing TAR PSI systems are used, then alignment precision may be improved, but device complexity and lack of modularity worsen, making them unsuitable for diverse patient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide is divided into modular components including a body portion with cutting slots, an adjustable component for positioning, and removable cutting guides. This segmentation allows the system to be customized for different patient conditions while maintaining alignment precision through each module's specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable component enables dynamic modification of the alignment guide's configuration during surgery. The adjustable element can be positioned at different locations on the body portion, allowing the same base device to adapt to various anatomical conditions while maintaining precise alignment capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If existing TAR systems designed for full-size c-arms are used, then alignment capabilities are maintained, but adaptability to ASC environments with mini c-arms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide incorporates radiopaque markers and a design that functions effectively with both mini c-arms and full-size c-arms. The body portion, adjustable component, and cutting slots work together to provide universal alignment capabilities across different imaging environments, from ASCs to hospital operating rooms.
3Measurement precision
If PSI pinning blocks are used, then alignment may be improved, but procedural complexity and radiation exposure remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the alignment guide body, cutting slots, and adjustable positioning components into a single integrated device that performs multiple functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate PSI pinning blocks and multiple alignment tools, reducing procedural steps and radiation exposure while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a patient specific instrumentation for a total ankle replacement. The system is comprised of a device primarily comprised of a device front face; a device rear face opposite the front face that may be configured to face a human tibia; a device thickness extending from the device front face to the device rear face; a device top; a device bottom that may configured to be positioned over a user's foot; a device height extending from the device top to the device bottom and perpendicular to device thickness; a device left side; a device right side; a device width extending from the device left side to the device right side and perpendicular to the device height and device thickness; and a lower portion that may include a device body.