Retrograde Osteochondral Socket Formation via Detachable Cutter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for osteochondral defect repair, such as those involving arthroscopic osteochondral transplantation, face difficulties in accessing tibial plateau defects and require inserting harvesters into the joint, making it challenging to create recipient sites and insert osteochondral cores effectively.

Innovation Solution

A retrograde osteochondral system using a retrodrill device with a detachable retrograde cutter and guide pin allows for the creation of recipient sockets from the inside out, enabling the retrograde insertion of healthy bone or synthetic implants without needing to insert a harvester into the joint, employing depth markings and a suture for precise core placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional arthroscopic osteochondral transplantation is used with donor and recipient harvesters, then osteochondral cores can be transplanted, but it is difficult to access defects on the tibial plateau and requires inserting harvesters into the joint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to tibial plateau defectsVSAvoidharvester insertion into joint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional surgical approach by performing osteochondral transplantation from the posterior aspect of the tibia rather than from the anterior joint space. The retrodrill device creates a tunnel through the tibial plateau from behind, allowing the harvester to access the defect without inserting into the joint space, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of access and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for surgical access by approaching the tibial plateau defects from the posterior aspect rather than the traditional anterior joint space approach. This dimensional change allows the surgical instruments to access the defect through a different pathway, avoiding the need to insert harvesters into the joint while maintaining effective access to the osteochondral lesions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If retrograde technique is used to create recipient socket from inside out, then access to defect is improved, but precise depth control and accurate socket formation become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to defectVSAvoidsocket depth and placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual depth estimation with a mechanical measurement system integrated into the retrodrill device. The device includes a depth gauge with calibrated markings that mechanically measure and indicate the exact depth of the tunnel and socket being created, ensuring precise depth control and accurate socket formation while maintaining the benefits of the retrograde approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a depth gauge with calibrated markings that provides real-time feedback to the surgeon during the drilling process. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to monitor the depth of penetration and adjust the drilling to achieve the precise target depth for optimal socket formation, thereby ensuring manufacturing precision while using the retrograde technique

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If retrodrill cutter is used to form recipient socket, then socket formation is simplified, but precise depth measurement and control are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket formation processVSAvoidsocket depth measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates a mechanical depth gauge with calibrated markings directly into the retrodrill guide pin, providing automatic depth measurement and control during socket formation. This mechanical measurement system simplifies the socket formation process by eliminating the need for separate measurement steps while ensuring precise depth control through the built-in gauge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The depth gauge with calibrated markings serves as an intermediary between the retrodrill cutter and the surgeon, translating the complex task of depth control into simple visual readings. This intermediary device mediates the measurement process by providing clear, calibrated depth indicators that guide the surgeon in achieving the precise socket depth required for successful transplantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7862567B2Retrodrill technique for insertion of autograft, allograft or synthetic osteochondral implants

Publication Date: 2011.01.04 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

Osteochondral sockets are formed using a retrograde drill assembly. The retrograde drill assembly includes a guide pin having a fluted tip and an externally threaded portion. A removable cutter head has internal threads that engage the threads of the guide pin. The guide pin is drilled through bone, exposing the external threads in a joint space requiring repair. The cutter is threaded onto the guide pin, and the assembly is retrograded with rotation to form a socket in the bone. The cutter is disengaged from the guide pin for disassembly and removal from the bone, making way for an implant to be installed in the pocket. The implant can be drawn into the socket using an attached strand threaded through the bone socket and out of the bone.