Rotatable Shim Alignment Device for Knee Ligament Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional unicondylar knee arthroplasty procedures rely on a trial and error technique, which is time-consuming and can result in excessive bone removal, as surgeons struggle to achieve correct limb alignment and ligament tension during knee replacement surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function feeler gauge and alignment device that includes rotatably coupled shims with alignment apertures, allowing for quick assessment of resection gaps and verification of proper knee joint alignment, reducing the time needed to select appropriate prosthesis components and minimizing unnecessary bone removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional trial and error technique is used to achieve correct limb alignment and ligament tension, then the surgeon can select appropriate prosthesis components, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and may result in excessive bone removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-fabricated trial prosthesis components with known, precise thickness specifications. These trial components allow the surgeon to predictably assess alignment and ligament tension before final implantation, eliminating the need for iterative trial-and-error adjustments and excessive bone removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses trial prosthesis components as intermediary elements between the surgeon's alignment goals and the final implantation. These trial components serve as mediators that allow precise measurement and adjustment of limb alignment and soft tissue tension without requiring repeated bone resection or component exchanges.
2Reliability
If multiple trial prosthesis components are exchanged to achieve proper alignment, then correct ligament tension can be achieved, but the procedure becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing trial prosthesis components with systematically varied thickness parameters. This allows the surgeon to efficiently select the appropriate component size based on pre-established thickness specifications, reducing the need to exchange multiple components and simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining accurate ligament tension.
3Manufacturing precision
If more tibial bone is removed to accommodate different prosthesis thicknesses, then leg alignment can be adjusted, but unnecessary bone stock is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the surgeon to assess the required prosthesis thickness before final bone resection. Trial prosthesis components with known thicknesses allow precise pre-planning of the tibial cut, ensuring that only the necessary amount of bone is removed and preserving valuable bone stock while achieving accurate alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeler gauge and alignment device comprises a first outer shim having a first end, a second end, and an alignment aperture disposed between the first end and the second end, a second outer shim having a first end, a second end, and an alignment aperture disposed between the first end and the second end, and one or more inner shims disposed between the first outer shim and the second outer shim, each of the one or more inner shims having a first end, a second end, and an alignment aperture disposed between the first end and the second end. The first outer shim, the second outer shim, and the one or more inner shims are rotatably coupled about the first ends.