Surgical Targeting Guide for K-Wire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical systems are inadequate for precise targeting and fixation of fractures, joints, or reconstructions.
Innovation Solution
A surgical targeting guide comprising a handle with a targeting hole and a targeting tower with guide holes, coupled with guide pins and targeting pins, is used to align and insert k-wires for stabilization and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional bone fixation systems are used, then basic fixation function is provided, but targeting precision and alignment accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting guide is divided into separate functional modules: a handle portion for positioning, a tower portion for guide pin insertion, and multiple guide holes for different directional targeting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses preliminary positioning actions where the handle is first positioned against the bone surface, then guide pins are inserted through the tower to establish reference points before final k-wire insertion. This step-by-step preliminary action ensures precise targeting while managing procedural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple guide pins and targeting pins are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower portion serves multiple functions: it houses guide holes for guide pins, provides a structure for targeting pin insertion, and acts as a reference framework for alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, maintaining alignment accuracy while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins and targeting pins are designed to be inserted through the tower structure, with pins nested within the guide holes. This nesting arrangement allows multiple alignment elements to be contained within a single compact tower component, improving alignment accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If precise targeting is achieved through multiple guide holes and pins, then fixation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be pre-positioned against the bone surface at the desired entry point, establishing the targeting origin before any pins are inserted. This preliminary positioning action simplifies subsequent operations by providing a stable reference frame, making the complex multi-pin insertion process more manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower structure acts as an intermediary component between the handle positioning system and the guide pin insertion system. It translates the positional information from handle placement into precise guide hole orientations, mediating the complex coordination required between multiple components and simplifying the overall operational sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a targeting guide is disclosed. The targeting guide includes a handle defining a targeting hole and a targeting tower configured to be coupled to the handle. The targeting tower defines at least a first guide hole and a second guide hole. Each of the first and second guide holes are sized and configured to receive a respective first guide pin and second guide pin therethrough. The first and second guide pins are configured to indicate alignment of a k-wire inserted through the targeting hole defined by the handle. Methods of using a targeting guide are also disclosed.