Reshapable Arm for Tibial Drill Channel Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tibial target apparatuses fail to achieve precise anatomical alignment of drill channels in the tibia during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction due to individual anatomical variations among patients, leading to suboptimal alignment and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a partially elastically reshapable arm made of shape memory alloy, such as NiTi, allowing for adjustable support angles to match the patient's tibial plateau while maintaining precision through temperature-controlled reshaping, ensuring accurate target point determination without significant lateral displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid arm is used to determine the target point on the tibial plateau, then the device structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to individual anatomical variations among patients
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed with a reshapable portion that can be elastically deformed during operation to adapt to different anatomical configurations. This dynamic capability allows the same device to accommodate individual variations without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reshapable portion of the arm can change its geometric parameters (shape, angle) during the procedure to match individual patient anatomy. This parameter variability enables adaptation to different tibial plateau configurations while using a single standardized device design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire arm is made reshapable to adapt to individual anatomy, then adaptability is maximized, but manufacturing precision and target point accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into a fixed portion and a reshapable portion. The fixed portion maintains manufacturing precision and structural stability for accurate target point determination, while the reshapable portion provides necessary adaptability. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the specific portion of the arm that contacts or near the tibial plateau is made reshapable, while the rest of the arm remains rigid and precisely manufactured. This localized flexibility ensures adaptability where needed while preserving manufacturing precision in the critical measurement and positioning areas.
3Measurement precision
If a reshapable arm is used to match individual tibial plateau anatomy, then anatomical alignment precision is improved, but lateral displacement of the drill channel may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is segmented into fixed and reshapable portions, where the fixed portion maintains the reference axis and prevents lateral displacement, while the reshapable portion adapts to the tibial plateau surface. This segmentation allows anatomical alignment precision without compromising drill channel positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The reshapable arm acts as an intermediary element that adapts to the anatomical surface while the fixed portion and drill sleeve maintain the precise drilling path. This intermediary flexibility allows anatomical matching without transmitting deformation to the drill channel axis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and adaptable alignment of drill channels tailored to individual anatomical configurations, ensuring accurate placement and reducing the risk of complications during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one portion should consist of a shape memory alloy. Shape memory alloys, also known as memory metals, have the property that they after being reshaped they almost recall their original shape and can be transferred back into their starting form because of a temperature-dependent lattice transformation.
Implementation Method 2
Shape memory alloys, also known as memory metals, have the property that they after being reshaped they almost recall their original shape and can be transferred back into their starting form because of a temperature-dependent lattice transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for targeting and forming drill channels in the tibia in the area of a knee joint during reconstruction of an anterior cruciate ligament, having a handle, which includes a drill sleeve for configuring a first target point on the tibia and an arm extending beyond the distal end of the drill sleeve for determining a second target point on the tibial plateau. To provide an apparatus for targeting and forming drill channels in the tibia that is adaptable to the patient's individual anatomical idiosyncrasies, it is proposed that at least one portion of the arm should be configured as elastically reshapable.