Orthopedic Guide Aligning Cutters to Joint Anatomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cutting bones adjacent to joints lack precision and accuracy, particularly when forming holes in small bones like those in the foot or hand, as they do not effectively utilize anatomical landmarks for guiding cutters.
Innovation Solution
A guide system that aligns with joint anatomy using anthropometric data and anatomical landmarks to precisely position and orient cutters, such as drills or saws, to intersect specific features like ligament attachments or joint surfaces, allowing for accurate tunnel formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cutting methods are used without a guide system, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster to perform, but the precision and accuracy of hole formation in small bones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is divided into multiple components: a guide body with reference surfaces, a cutter component with cutting element, and positioning features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system precision without requiring a monolithic complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bone, providing a mechanical interface that translates anatomical landmarks into precise cutter positioning. The reference surfaces and guiding features mediate the interaction to achieve accurate hole formation without requiring direct visual estimation by the surgeon
2Measurement precision
If a guide system with multiple reference surfaces is used, then the alignment accuracy with anatomical landmarks improves, but the time required to register and position the guide deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is pre-configured with reference surfaces, guiding features, and cutter orientations determined from anthropometric data before surgery. This preliminary preparation allows the guide to be quickly registered during surgery by simply matching the pre-determined reference surfaces to anatomical landmarks, reducing registration time while maintaining high alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system incorporates multiple reference surfaces and guiding features that can engage with various anatomical landmarks simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single guide design to accommodate different anatomical variations and joint types, reducing the need for multiple specialized guides and minimizing overall registration time across different surgical scenarios
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide is designed to eliminate all six degrees of freedom, then the cutter positioning precision improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the guide system have specialized features tailored to their specific functions: reference surfaces for landmark engagement, guiding portions for cutter alignment, and fixation features for stabilization. This local optimization allows each feature to contribute to precision without requiring the entire device to be overly complex, maintaining ease of operation through intuitive local interactions
Data Source
AI summary
A guide and method for cutting bones adjacent a joint at locations referenced to the joint anatomy is presented.