Talar Dome Implant With Guided Bone Preparation for Ankle Arthroplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total talar implants do not allow for fusion with either the navicular and/or calcaneus, leaving patients with limited options such as ankle fusion or amputation, with fusion being the preferred choice, but existing implants complicate the surgical procedure due to non-coplanar surfaces requiring multiple cuts.
Innovation Solution
A talar dome prosthesis with a mounting surface featuring at least three non-coplanar flat bone-contacting surfaces and a guide instrument, such as a chamfer base, to simplify the preparation of the talus by reducing the number of necessary cuts to three, using a reamer and saw guided by the instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current total talar implants are used, then the implant structure is simple, but the surgical procedure becomes complex requiring multiple cuts to accommodate non-coplanar surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is segmented into multiple non-coplanar flat bone-contacting surfaces (at least three surfaces), allowing the implant to interface with different anatomical regions of the talus bone independently. This segmentation enables precise fitting to the complex talus geometry while maintaining a relatively simple overall implant structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting surface transitions from a traditional coplanar design to a multi-dimensional configuration with at least three non-coplanar flat surfaces. This dimensional change allows the implant to accommodate the three-dimensional complexity of the talus bone anatomy, enabling fusion with navicular and/or calcaneus while simplifying the surgical preparation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple cuts are made to prepare the talus for non-coplanar surfaces, then the implant can be properly positioned, but the surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide instrument performs preliminary action by pre-defining the exact geometry and orientation of the mounting surface before the actual implantation. The guide instrument, with its bridge-like main body resting on guide pins and defining a precise space, allows the surgeon to prepare the talus bone with exactly the required geometry in a single systematic process, reducing the need for multiple iterative cuts and adjustments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide instrument acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's actions and the final implant positioning. It translates the complex requirements of non-coplanar surface alignment into a simplified surgical process by providing physical guides (channel for reamer, slot for saw blade) that automatically ensure proper geometry, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If a guide instrument with bridge configuration is used, then the number of cuts is reduced to three, but the guide instrument structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide instrument is designed as a multi-functional device that combines multiple functions into a single instrument: it provides registration through pin-receiving portions, defines the preparation space through its bridge configuration, guides the reamer through the channel, and guides the saw blade through the slot. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate surgical instruments and steps, thereby improving surgical efficiency despite the increased structural complexity of the single guide instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a prosthesis for ankle arthroplasty including a talar dome component configured to be attached to a talus bone. Also provided is a guide instrument for guiding a reamer to prepare a talus to receive the talar dome component.