Segmented Surgical Tool Rods for Joint Kinematics Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unstable joints, such as those resulting from significant disruption of articulating bones or surrounding soft tissues, lead to pain, dysfunction, accelerated bone loss, and premature arthritis, with existing surgical techniques failing to effectively reconstruct joint kinematics.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool comprising a handle and one or more rods that can be positioned between a folded and spread configuration, allowing for the insertion and deployment of a graft within a joint space, with adjustable offset portions to maximize graft coverage and stability during joint kinematic reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical techniques are used for joint reconstruction, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the joint kinematics cannot be effectively reconstructed and the joint remains unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is divided into multiple segments including a handle, first rod, and second rod that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tool to transform from a compact folded state for insertion to a spread state for graft reconstruction, enabling effective joint kinematics reconstruction without requiring overly complex fixed-structure tools
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical tool incorporates dynamic movement capability where the first and second rods can rotate between a folded position and a spread position. This dynamic transformation enables the tool to adapt its configuration during the surgical procedure - folded for minimally invasive insertion and spread for effective graft placement and joint reconstruction, thereby achieving both tool simplicity and joint stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical tool uses a fixed configuration, then the tool structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different graft sizes and joint geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool employs dynamic rod configuration where the first and second rods can rotate between folded and spread positions. This dynamic capability allows the tool to adapt to different graft sizes and joint geometries - the rods can be spread wider for larger grafts or adjusted to narrower configurations for smaller grafts, providing versatility without requiring multiple different tool designs
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical tool design allows the second rod to be selectively positioned in different openings (second opening and third opening) on the handle, creating a nested-like adaptability where the rod configuration can be adjusted to fit different spatial requirements. This enables the tool to accommodate various graft sizes and joint geometries while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to surgical tools and methods. The surgical tools (22) can include a handle (24), a first rod (26) extending from the handle, and a second rod (28) extending from the handle. At least one of the first and second rods may be rotatable between a folded position and a spread position. The first and second rods may be closer together in the folded position than in the spread position.