Neck Trial Line Configuration for Offset and Leg-Length Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical trial components lack clarity in indicating their impact on surgical outcomes, making it difficult for surgeons to select the appropriate prosthetic components and positioning during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of neck trials with specific line configurations on their exterior surfaces, where the number and position of lines indicate the amount of offset and leg-length changes caused by the trial, along with a kit of parts including various neck, head, and liner trials, facilitates easier assessment and selection of trial components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trial components are combined into a trial construct, then the surgeon can explore different prosthetic options, but it becomes harder to visually inspect and understand which trial component is currently being used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to trial components, where each trial component has a distinct color that can be visually identified through minimally invasive incisions. This allows surgeons to quickly determine which trial component is currently implanted without requiring extensive visual inspection or dissection, thereby maintaining versatility while improving detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators (such as colored markers or indicators) on the trial components that serve as intermediaries between the internal trial construct and the external visual field. These indicators can be seen through small incisions, providing a mediator that connects the hidden trial component configuration to the surgeon's visual assessment capability.
2Measurement precision
If trial components are used to determine prosthetic selection, then the surgeon can assess surgical outcomes, but it becomes difficult to understand the effects of different trial components compared to each other
Solution Approach 1:
Each trial component is assigned a distinct color or color combination that encodes information about its characteristics (such as offset, leg length, or other parameters). This color coding system allows surgeons to immediately compare different trial components by their visual appearance, providing intuitive comparison information without requiring complex markings or labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual characteristics (such as color, pattern, or marker configuration) to different regions or aspects of the trial components. For example, different colors may indicate different offset values or leg length adjustments, allowing localized information encoding that helps surgeons understand the specific effects of each component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If visual access to the surgical site is limited in minimally invasive procedures, then patient trauma is reduced, but it becomes very difficult to visually inspect the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators on trial components as intermediaries that can be detected through small incisions. These indicators act as mediators that bridge the gap between the limited visual access and the need to inspect the surgical site, allowing surgeons to assess trial components through minimally invasive means without requiring large incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
By using color-coded indicators that are visible through small incisions, the patent enables surgeons to assess trial components with minimal visual access requirements. The color coding provides high-contrast visual information that can be detected even through limited openings, maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while enabling necessary visual inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
A neck trial is disclosed. The neck trial has a body and a neck. The body has an exterior surface. The neck extends away from the body along a neck axis. At least one first line is provided on the exterior surface, which extends in a first direction parallel to an inferior-superior axis of a patient when in use. At least one second line is provided on the exterior surface, which extends in a second direction parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the patient in use. The number of first lines, or the position of the first line or lines relative to the second line or lines, is indicative of an amount of offset in the medial-lateral direction caused by the neck trial. The number of second lines, or the position of the second line or lines relative to the first line or lines, is indicative of an amount of leg-length in the inferior-superior direction caused by the neck trial. A kit of parts, a trial assembly and a method of trialling a joint of a patient are also disclosed.