Orthopedic Sizing Instrument with Movable Block for Small Bone Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic instrumentation lacks adequate tools for accurately sizing and placing implants, particularly in small bones or bone fragments, leading to complications such as incorrect implant size and placement, which can result in post-operative issues like implant breakage or loss of fixation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongate member with length indicia and a movable block with width indicia, allowing for precise measurement and alignment of implants in multiple small bones, featuring a cannulated sleeve and guide wire for non-invasive implant positioning and sizing, with radiopaque or radiolucent components for improved visualization during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional guiding devices are used for implant placement, then implant positioning accuracy is improved, but the devices are too complex and invasive for small bones
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a guide wire for initial positioning, a cannulated sleeve for protection and alignment, and an elongate member with indicia for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device simple and adaptable to small bones
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire acts as an intermediary element that establishes the initial path and positioning before the actual implant is inserted. The cannulated sleeve serves as a protective intermediary that maintains alignment while allowing passage of instruments. These intermediary elements enable accurate positioning without requiring complex guiding mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If invasive sizing instruments like taps are used, then both length and diameter measurement is improved, but bone damage and procedure interruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cannulated sleeve serves as a non-invasive intermediary that allows measurement instruments to pass through without directly contacting or damaging the bone. The sleeve maintains the measurement path while protecting the bone integrity, eliminating the need for invasive taps
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces invasive mechanical measurement methods (taps that physically engage the bone) with a non-invasive optical/measurement system. The elongate member with length and width indicia provides measurement capabilities without requiring mechanical engagement with the bone tissue
3Productivity
If existing instrumentation is used for multiple small bones, then procedure speed is maintained, but adequate sizing and placement guidance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the guide wire provides positioning, the cannulated sleeve provides protection and alignment, and the elongate member with dual indicia provides both length and width measurements. This multi-functionality maintains procedural efficiency while ensuring accurate sizing and placement
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire and cannulated sleeve establish the measurement path and alignment before the actual implant selection and insertion. The length and width indicia are pre-positioned to provide immediate measurement reference, allowing rapid determination of appropriate implant dimensions without delaying the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assisting in the positioning and sizing of an implant includes an elongate member and a block. The elongate member has length indicia at axial locations along a length for measuring a first distance from a predetermined datum of the elongate member. The block is attached to and movable along the elongate member. The block includes width indicia for measuring a second distance in a direction transverse to the first distance. A method for assisting in the positioning and sizing of an implant includes moving the elongate member along the block to axial locations along such member to determine an appropriate width and depth of insertion of the implant.