Rotator Cuff Tear Depth Measuring Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the extent of rotator cuff tears lack precision, particularly in differentiating between partial thickness defects, which affects the decision-making for appropriate treatment options such as surgery versus non-surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising a shaft with indicia for measuring the depth and thickness of tissue tears, used in conjunction with a cannulated member, allows for accurate calculation of the percentage of tissue torn, aiding in the decision to surgically repair rotator cuff tears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for determining the extent of rotator cuff tears are used, then treatment decisions can be made, but the precision of measurement is insufficient to accurately differentiate between partial thickness defects
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into multiple components: a cannulated member with a distal end and proximal end, and a separate member with a shaft that can slide within the cannulated member. This segmentation allows the device to measure both the depth of the tear and the thickness of the tissue independently, providing precise measurement data without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-dimensional measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by incorporating both depth measurement (along the shaft axis) and thickness measurement (across the tissue dimension). The indicia on the shaft provide depth measurements while the positioning of the member within the cannulated member enables thickness measurement, thereby capturing complete tear extent information.
2Measurement precision
If a measuring device with multiple components is used to achieve precise measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The member with the shaft is disposed within the cannulated member, creating a nested structure. This nesting allows the measuring device to maintain precision through multiple measurement capabilities while compacting the overall device structure. The shaft can slide within the cannulated member, enabling depth measurement, while the nested configuration itself facilitates thickness measurement, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring the depth of the tear using the shaft indicia, measuring the thickness of the tissue using the relative positioning of the member within the cannulated member, and calculating the percentage of tissue torn. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate measurement devices into a single universal tool.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device for measuring a depth of a tear of a tissue is disclosed. The measuring device comprises a member having a shaft and a distal tip, a plurality of indicia on the shaft of the member for measuring the depth of the tear, and a cannulated member into which the member is disposed. In an example, the measuring device is used to measure the depth of a tear of the rotator cuff tendon. A method of measuring a tear of a tissue using the measuring device is also disclosed.