Telescoping Reference Foot for Inserter Depth and Version Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for implanting bone implants, such as hip arthroplasty, rely heavily on surgeon skill and dexterity for accurate depth and version control during rasping and implanting, lacking consistent mechanical and visual cues for precise alignment and depth control.
Innovation Solution
The use of a reference foot mechanism with positive mechanical stops and visual cues on inserter handles that allow for simultaneous control of depth and version, providing repeatable and accurate alignment through modular, telescoping components that reset automatically between rasps or stem insertions, ensuring consistent surgical results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rasp is removably connected to a rasp handle to allow different rasps with different sizes and roughness, then the adaptability of the rasping system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components and connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rasping system is divided into separate modular components: a rasp handle and interchangeable rasps. This segmentation allows different rasps with varying sizes and roughness characteristics to be connected to a single handle, providing adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rasp handle is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different rasps. The engagement fixture and complementary fixture create a standardized interface that works across various rasp configurations, allowing one handle to perform multiple rasping functions with different rasps.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical stops and visual cues are added to the inserter handle for depth and version control, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
Visual cues such as colored indicators or markings are incorporated into the inserter handle to provide real-time feedback to the surgeon during the procedure. These visual indicators show the current depth and version orientation, allowing precise control without requiring complex mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stops act as intermediary elements that physically limit the range of motion or insertion depth. Rather than requiring complex electronic or mechanical measurement systems, simple stop features provide tactile and visual boundaries that guide the surgeon to the correct depth and orientation.
3Productivity
If telescoping components are used to allow automatic resetting between rasps, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to telescoping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter handle incorporates telescoping components that can dynamically extend and retract. During rasping, the components are in an extended position to accommodate the rasp. When the rasp is removed, the telescoping components automatically retract to their original position, providing rapid resetting without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism is designed to automatically reset itself between rasps without requiring manual adjustment by the surgeon or assistant. The mechanical design allows the components to return to their initial configuration through spring forces or gravity, enabling rapid preparation for the next rasp insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are reference feet for inserters and method of use thereof. The reference feet can include a body, a tine, a first arm, and a first base. The body can have a longitudinal axis and define an engagement fixture oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis and sized to receive a complementary fixture of an inserter. The tine can extend from the body along the longitudinal axis and including a protuberance sized to engage a stop of the inserter. The first arm can extend from the body. The first base can be attached to the first arm and have a planar surface arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.