Intramedullary Nail Compression Assembly for Ankle Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving intra-operative compression of the ankle and subtalar joints during tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis procedures is challenging with current manual manipulation methods.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary nail system with a compression device that includes a spindle assembly and a pair of arms, allowing for controlled longitudinal movement of a pin through a slotted opening in the nail to apply compressive force to the joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual manipulation of the insertion device is used to achieve compression, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the compression effect is insufficient and difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A compression device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the surgeon's manual operation and the bone compression process. The device includes a compression member that can be manually actuated to apply controlled compressive forces to the bone, translating simple manual manipulation into effective compression without requiring complex surgical techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating once installed. The compression member can be directly manipulated to apply compression forces without requiring continuous external intervention or complex surgical manipulation, allowing the device to perform the compression function autonomously after initial setup
2Manufacturing precision
If a compression device with movable components is introduced to achieve precise compression, then the compression precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is segmented into distinct functional components: a compression member with engaging structures, a spinal implant with recesses, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity, with the compression member handling the compression action and the implant providing structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device is merged with the spinal implant system, where the compression member integrates with the implant structure through engaging structures and recesses. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex mounting mechanisms and reduces the overall number of components required, achieving precise compression through a unified simple structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an intramedullary nail, a pin, a spindle, and a compression device including a pair of arms having distal and proximal ends. The nail is inserted through a medullary canal of a bone, extends longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and includes slotted opening extending transversely through a proximal portion of the nail and elongated along a length of the nail. The pin extends longitudinally from proximal to distal ends and is inserted through the opening. The spindle is releasably coupled to an insertion handle facilitating implantation of the nail. The distal ends connected to one another via a distal block releasably engaging the spindle. The proximal ends include engaging members mounted over the pin, so that moving the spindle distally with respect to the handle correspondingly moves the pin through the opening in a distal direction relative to the nail.