Offset Reference Guide for Orthopedic Fastener Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopedic hardware kits lack standardization in offset values for fasteners and depth gauges, making it difficult to interchange components from external sources, leading to measurement discrepancies and limited flexibility for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
An offset reference guide with a reference surface and gauge surface, featuring fastener reliefs and offset indicia, allows for accurate determination of offset values for orthopedic surgical hardware, enabling the use of external depth gauges and fasteners by providing a calibrated measurement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If orthopedic hardware kits are calibrated with built-in offset values for depth gauges and fasteners, then measurement consistency within the kit is improved, but interchangeability with external components and flexibility for surgeons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The offset value, previously embedded and hidden within the calibrated depth gauge and fastener system, is segmented and extracted as a separate, measurable parameter. The gauge directly indicates the offset value as a distinct measurement, allowing it to be identified and accounted for independently from the hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that bridges the calibrated kit components and external components. By measuring and displaying the offset value explicitly, the system mediates between the proprietary calibrated system and external/universal components, enabling surgeons to compensate for the offset when using external depth gauges or fasteners.
2Measurement precision
If depth gauges and fasteners are calibrated to account for hardware offset values, then accuracy of fastener length determination is improved, but visibility and understanding of actual offset values by surgeons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The depth gauge system performs self-service by automatically measuring and displaying its own offset value. The gauge indicates the offset that is inherent to the calibrated system, allowing the system to characterize itself without requiring external calibration equipment or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indication methods where the offset value is displayed through color-coded zones or marked indications on the gauge. This makes the previously hidden offset information visually apparent and easily interpretable by surgeons during surgical procedures.
3Reliability
If proprietary calibrated systems are used for orthopedic hardware, then reliability of the surgical system is improved, but device complexity and limitation of external component integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The depth gauge is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional depth measurement tool and as an offset value indicator. This universal instrument can be used with both calibrated kit components and external/universal components, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools for different component types.
Data Source
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AI summary
An offset reference guide for use in determining an offset value for orthopedic fasteners to be used with surgical hardware. The reference guide may include a reference surface against which the surgical hardware may be disposed. In turn, an orthopedic fastener may be inserted through a fastener hole of the surgical hardware and accepted by a fastener relief of the guide. Upon fully seating the orthopedic fastener relative to the surgical hardware, the distal end of the orthopedic fastener may align with one of a set of offset indicia calibrated relative to a known length of the orthopedic fastener. In turn, an offset value for the surgical hardware may be determined that may, for example, be used to augment measurements of bore lengths taken for a bore into which an orthopedic fastener is to be disposed.