Surgical Guide Tower for Tibia Alignment and Keel Punch Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic surgical instruments lack an efficient method for preparing the proximal end of the tibia for the implantation of prosthetic components, particularly in aligning and securing surgical drills and keel punches during joint arthroplasty procedures, leading to suboptimal alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning a base trial on the resected tibia, using a guide tower with fixation pins to secure the keel punch, and a detachable alignment handle to align the surgical drill, ensuring precise alignment and secure attachment of the keel punch and drill, facilitating the reaming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical instruments are used without specialized alignment mechanisms, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simpler tools, but the precision and stability of the surgical preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into separate functional modules: a guide tower for alignment, a keel punch for bone preparation, and a handle for operation. Each component can be independently positioned and secured, allowing high precision alignment without requiring a single complex monolithic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tower acts as an intermediary element between the base trial and the keel punch, providing a stable reference structure that ensures precise alignment of the surgical drill and keel punch insertion path without direct complex coupling.
2Reliability
If the keel punch is not securely attached to the handle, then the instrument assembly is simpler and easier to operate, but the stability and reliability of the surgical preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism automatically engages with the guide tower structure during the impaction process, self-securing the handle to the guide tower without requiring separate manual attachment steps. The system uses the impaction force itself to activate the securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged states, allowing dynamic adjustment during the surgical procedure. The lever can be positioned to secure or release the handle attachment as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining stability during impaction.
3Productivity
If multiple separate steps are used for aligning the drill and securing the keel punch, then each step can be performed with simpler individual tools, but the overall surgical time and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tower, keel punch, and handle are merged into a single integrated assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The guide tower provides alignment for both the surgical drill and keel punch insertion, while the handle integrates the impaction and securing functions, eliminating the need for separate alignment and securing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tower serves multiple purposes: it guides the surgical drill for reaming, provides alignment reference for the keel punch, and acts as a structural support for the handle assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate instruments needed and streamlines the surgical workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Orthopaedic surgical instruments including a base trial adapted to be positioned on a proximal end of a patient's resected tibia, and a guide tower including a tower base adapted to be positioned on the base trial. A method of use is also described.