Patella Cutting Guide With Independent Height and Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patella preparation systems require repositioning and re-fixation of the cutting instrument to adjust the angle relative to the patella, leading to inaccuracies and complexity in cutting height and angle adjustments during knee arthroplasty.

Innovation Solution

A patella preparation system with a fixing unit, a movable cutting template, and an actuation mechanism allowing separate and precise adjustments of cutting height and angle without repositioning, utilizing clamping via quadriceps and patella tendons for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting instrument is repositioned and re-fixated to adjust the angle relative to the patella, then the angle adjustment is achieved, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting instrument incorporates a movable guiding device with adjustable components that allow dynamic angle changes without requiring complete repositioning or re-fixation of the instrument to the patella, enabling continuous adjustment during the surgical procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting instrument is divided into separate adjustable modules, including a movable guiding device and adjustable cutting guide, that can be independently positioned and locked at different angles, allowing flexible angle adjustment while maintaining overall instrument stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting instrument is repositioned and re-fixated to adjust the angle relative to the patella, then the angle adjustment is achieved, but the cutting precision decreases due to repositioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual repositioning operations with a mechanical adjustment mechanism featuring graduated scales, locking devices, and pre-calibrated angular positions that eliminate human error in angle measurement and positioning, ensuring consistent cutting precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting instrument includes self-aligning features and reference markers that automatically guide the instrument to the correct angular position without requiring external measurement or complex alignment procedures by the surgeon

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a clamp with multipleprongs is used to fix the patella, then the patella can be securely held, but the adjustment of cutting height and angle becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatella fixation stabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing clamp is designed with independent adjustment mechanisms for height and angle that are separate from the clamping function, allowing the patella to be securely held while enabling straightforward adjustment of cutting parameters through dedicated controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting instrument integrates multiple functions including patella fixation, height adjustment, and angle adjustment into a single unified device with standardized interfaces, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall adjustment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the whole patella preparation instrument is newly positioned to change the cutting angle, then the angle can be changed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting angle variabilityVSAvoidtime for angle adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument features a dynamically adjustable cutting guide with smooth-motion mechanisms that allow continuous angle variation during the surgical procedure without requiring removal or repositioning of the instrument from the patella

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument includes pre-set angular positions and quick-adjustment mechanisms that allow the surgeon to rapidly change cutting angles by simple mechanical movements, eliminating the time-consuming process of complete repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4225165B1Patella preparation system

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 AESCULAP AG

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a patella preparation system (1) comprising a fixing device being adapted to fixedly hold a patella (2), a guiding device (3) which is linked to the fixing device to be moveable relative thereto, preferably by translatory and/or tilting movements/motions, and an operation device (14, 17) for manually moving the guiding device (3) relative to the fixing device (9) individually and separately in a translatory and a tilting manner. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a method of using the patella preparation system (1) according to the disclosure.