Surgical Instrument Positioning Arm for Knee Arthroplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for total knee arthroplasty often result in misalignments of prosthetic components due to manual positioning of surgical instruments, leading to potential functional limitations and increased wear of the prosthesis, and require complex and costly systems for accurate alignment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a horizontal transversal bench and vertically sliding plate, coupled with a reclining guide and instrument-holder arms, allows for precise positioning and handling of surgical instruments with reduced manual displacement, eliminating the need for endomedullary perforations and minimizing the number of elements secured to the patient, using graduated scales and electronic position transducers for accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning methods are used for surgical instruments, then the surgical process can be performed with simpler equipment, but alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to misalignments of prosthetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system consisting of a positioning arm with graduated scales and adjustment mechanisms that mediate between the surgical instrument and the patient's anatomy. This intermediary device provides precise alignment guidance without requiring complex automated systems, resolving the contradiction by offering a mechanically simple yet accurate positioning solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with a guided mechanical system that uses graduated scales and adjustment mechanisms to precisely control instrument position. This substitution of pure manual operation with a guided mechanical system improves alignment accuracy while maintaining relative simplicity compared to automated systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex guiding systems with multiple elements secured to the patient are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the surgical complexity and trauma to the patient increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into a separate positioning arm that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows the alignment guidance to be provided by a single, coordinated element rather than multiple secured elements, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through graduated scales and movable adjustment mechanisms on the positioning arm. This dynamic system allows real-time adjustment of the surgical instrument position without requiring multiple fixed elements to be secured to the patient, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If endomedullary alignment systems with multiple secured elements are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the number of trauma points on the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment guidance function from the endomedullary system and relocates it to an external positioning arm that guides the surgical instrument without requiring internal perforations or multiple secured elements. This extraction eliminates the harmful trauma points associated with endomedullary procedures while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arm serves as an intermediary that provides alignment guidance without directly contacting or penetrating the patient's bone structure. By mediating the alignment function externally, the system achieves accurate alignment without creating trauma points within the patient's body.
4Manufacturing precision
If augmented reality systems with expensive hardware and software are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive graduated scales and mechanical adjustment mechanisms instead of expensive augmented reality hardware and software. These simple mechanical elements provide sufficient positioning accuracy for surgical instrumentation without the complexity and cost of sophisticated electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic augmented reality systems with a purely mechanical positioning arm equipped with graduated scales. This mechanical system achieves the necessary positioning accuracy through physical guidance and measurement scales, eliminating the need for expensive electronic hardware and software while reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A support, positioning and handling device for surgical equipment and instruments such as, for instance, drills, comparators, or resection guides, for arthroplasty operations, in particular for distal femur and/or proximal tibia resection. The device comprises a plurality of linear guides and an angular guide which make it possible to determine the position and angle of operation of the surgical instrument, while also allowing to move it with an extreme accuracy. The plurality of guides guarantees a three-dimensional displacement and inclination of a tool-holder turret, which holds an instrument-holder arm which features an engagement surface with the instrument inclined by a predetermined amount, in order to vary the inclination of the latter.The device allows to perform the arthroplasty surgery without having to drill intramedullary holes, reducing trauma to the patient.