Sterilizable Tray for Aligning Intramedullary Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instrument sterilization trays for intramedullary rod and implant insertion devices lack efficiency in preoperative procedures and do not facilitate easy attachment of intramedullary rods to implant insertion devices, leading to suboptimal preparation and alignment during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizable tray assembly that includes an adjustable targeting assembly for aligning and securing implant insertion devices, a bolt installation driver for facilitating attachment, and an angle adjustment mechanism for presetting the angle of the targeting assembly, along with a screw holder with stepped surfaces for identifying and attaching screws of different lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional instrument sterilization trays are used for intramedullary rod and implant insertion devices, then the devices can be sterilized and stored, but the preoperative procedures become time-consuming and alignment accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the intramedullary rod to the implant insertion device on the sterilization tray before sterilization. The rod is positioned in the receiving cavity with its proximal end attached to the insertion device, and the angle adjustment mechanism is pre-configured. This preassembly eliminates time-consuming alignment procedures during surgery while maintaining sterility through the removable cover design that allows sterilization of the entire assembled unit.
2Ease of operation
If intramedullary rod is attached to implant insertion device during procedure, then the devices can be secured together, but the attachment process becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intramedullary rod and implant insertion device into a single pre-assembled unit on the sterilization tray. The rod's proximal end is directly attached to the insertion device within the receiving cavity, combining two separate attachment steps into one integrated configuration. This merging simplifies the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for separate attachment operations while maintaining the functional independence of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization tray with its receiving cavity serves as an intermediary platform that facilitates the attachment of the intramedullary rod to the implant insertion device. The cavity provides a confined space that guides proper positioning and alignment, while the removable cover acts as a mediator that protects the assembled components during sterilization and transport, and allows easy access during surgery without requiring complex attachment tools or procedures.
3Measurement precision
If angle adjustment is performed in situ during surgery, then the proximal screw angle can be customized, but the procedure time increases and alignment precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the angle of the proximal screw relative to the intramedullary rod on the sterilization tray before sterilization and surgery. The angle adjustment mechanism is configured in advance to achieve the desired angular relationship, and this pre-set angle is maintained throughout sterilization and storage. During surgery, the pre-adjusted angle eliminates the need for time-consuming in-situ angle adjustments while ensuring precise alignment is achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.