Radiodense Guide Tube for Distal Tibiofibular Joint Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Repairing ankle fractures, particularly aligning the distal tibiofibular joint, can be challenging when applying fixation devices between the fibula and the tibia.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base, first and second arms with clamping ends configured to conform to the fibula, a compression mechanism to grasp the fibula, and a guide tube made of radiodense material to direct a guide pin for insertion between the fibula and tibia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guide pin is inserted manually without a guiding apparatus, then the operation is simpler, but the alignment precision of the distal tibiofibular joint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A guide tube serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon's hand and the guide pin, providing a predefined trajectory that ensures accurate alignment of the distal tibiofibular joint while simplifying the insertion process. The guide tube translates the complex alignment requirement into a simple insertion action through the tube.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fibula is held firmly during fixation, then the stability of the bone improves, but the ease of manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism incorporates a ratchet system that allows dynamic adjustment of the clamp's grip on the fibula. The surgeon can easily manipulate and position the clamp, then lock it in place to provide stable fixation during guide pin insertion, combining ease of operation with bone stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distal tibiofibular joint is aligned using visual estimation, then the procedure is faster, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube is pre-formed with the correct anatomical trajectory for distal tibiofibular joint alignment. Before the actual fixation procedure, the surgeon attaches the guide tube to the clamped fibula, establishing the precise alignment path in advance. This preliminary setup ensures accurate alignment during guide pin insertion without requiring time-consuming visual estimation or adjustment during the critical fixation step.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a base and a first arm extending from the base. The first arm includes a first clamping end configured to conform to a fibula. The apparatus also includes a second arm extending from the base opposite the first arm, the second arm including a second clamping end configured to conform to the fibula. The apparatus also includes a compression mechanism configured to press the first clamping end toward the second clamping end to grasp the fibula between the first clamping end and the second clamping end. The apparatus also includes a guide tube between the first arm and the second arm. The guide tube is formed of a radiodense material and is configured to receive and direct a guide pin for insertion through the fibula and into a tibia.