Orthopedic Cutting Guide Insert for Precise Foot and Ankle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems, instruments, and methods fail to adequately address the unique anatomical properties of the foot and ankle, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthopedic instrument systems featuring cutting guides with base portions, extensions, actuators, and cannulated openings, along with cutting inserts that accommodate various cutting instruments and angles, to provide precise guidance during surgical procedures on the foot and ankle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical systems and instruments are used, then general surgical procedures can be performed, but they fail to account for specific foot and ankle anatomy leading to suboptimal outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting guide is specifically designed with anatomical contours and engagement features that match the unique geometry of foot and ankle bones. The base portion includes engagement features configured to engage with specific anatomical landmarks, ensuring the guide is positioned precisely according to the local anatomical structure rather than using a generic design
2Manufacturing precision
If a cutting guide with actuator and cannulated opening is used, then precise cutting guidance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned within the cannulated opening of the extension, creating a nested configuration where one component (actuator) is housed within another (cannulated opening). This nesting approach allows the complex functionality of the actuator to be integrated into the guide structure without proportionally increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the device
3Measurement precision
If cutting inserts with depressions are used to accommodate actuators, then cutting accuracy is improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting insert combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the cutting edge, includes depressions to accommodate and position the actuator, and integrates with the base portion and extension. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate positioning components and alignment fixtures that would otherwise be required
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic instrument system includes a first cutting guide. The first cutting guide includes a base portion having an opening, an extension extending from the base portion having a cannulated opening in fluid communication with the opening of the base portion, and an actuator configured to occupy at least a portion of the opening of the base when in an actuated position within the cannulated opening. The system also includes a cutting insert configured to be received within the opening. The insert includes at least one depression, wherein the at least one depression comprises a volume which, when positioned within the opening, is common with at least a portion of the volume of the opening occupied by the actuator when in the actuated position.