Surgical Drill Guide Layout for Clear Meniscal Root Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drilling passages in tibial bone during meniscal root repair suffer from poor visualization due to the use of a guide placed in the anteromedial portal with viewing from the anterolateral portal, leading to inadequate implementation and increased morbidity, often necessitating additional steps like reverse notchplasty.
Innovation Solution
A drill guide apparatus comprising a handle, neck, sleeve, cuff, and guide arm, with mechanisms for angular and translational movement, allowing precise positioning and guidance through an anterolateral portal for improved visualization and drilling accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guide is placed in the anteromedial portal with viewing from the anterolateral portal, then the drill passage can be formed, but visualization of the medial root insertion becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the guide in the anterolateral portal and viewing from the anteromedial portal, rather than the traditional configuration. This reversal allows the camera to visualize the medial root insertion clearly while the guide positions the drill accurately, resolving the visualization problem without compromising drill passage formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specific guide structure with multiple passages and a camera system as an intermediary tool. The guide includes a first passage for the camera and a second passage for the drill, allowing simultaneous visualization and drilling operations. This intermediary device enables clear visualization of the medial root insertion while maintaining precise drill passage implementation
2Measurement precision
If reverse notchplasty and removal of tibial spine are performed to compensate for poor visualization, then visualization improves, but additional surgical steps and increased morbidity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing optimal visualization and drilling alignment before any bone removal or additional procedures are considered. The guide is positioned first to establish clear visualization of the medial root insertion, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute the drill passage accurately without needing to perform reverse notchplasty or tibial spine removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic need for additional bone removal procedures by implementing a guide system that provides adequate visualization without requiring reverse notchplasty or tibial spine removal. The guide system isolates and resolves the visualization issue independently, eliminating the need for these additional invasive steps
3Measurement precision
If the guide is positioned to allow clear visualization, then visualization improves, but drilling accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guide into distinct functional components: a first passage for camera insertion and visualization, and a second passage for drill insertion and drilling. This segmentation allows each passage to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining proper spatial relationship, ensuring both clear visualization and accurate drill passage formation simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with the guide extending at specific angles relative to the tibial surface. The guide arm and multiple passages are positioned in different spatial dimensions, allowing the camera to view from one angle while the drill approaches from another, thereby achieving both clear visualization and accurate drilling without interference
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for positioning and guiding a drill for forming a bone passage during surgery is provided. The apparatus may include a handle and a sleeve disposed on the handle. The sleeve may be configured to receive a drill. The apparatus may further include a neck disposed on the handle and a lever disposed on the neck. The neck may be movable in translation relative to the handle. The lever may be angularly movable in rotation relative to the neck. The apparatus may further include a guide arm disposed on the lever and a neck locking mechanism disposed on the handle. The neck locking mechanism configured to hold the neck in place relative to the handle passage and release the neck. The apparatus may further include a detent mechanism configured to provide a resistance against rotation of the lever.