Tibial Orthopaedic Instrument Movable Mounting Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthopaedic surgical instruments for revision knee replacement procedures lack a comprehensive and efficient system for securing and positioning cutting blocks and intramedullary instruments, leading to difficulties in accurately resecting tibial bone surfaces and preparing the medullary canal for prosthetic components.

Innovation Solution

An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly featuring an attachment device with a movable mounting frame and locking mechanism, which secures the cutting block to the attachment device, allowing for precise positioning and easy detachment, and includes a system of intramedullary instruments like surgical reamers and broach assemblies for medullary canal preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a modular reamer assembly with fixed guide is used, then the medullary canal can be prepared, but the cutting block positioning precision and adaptability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting block positioning precisionVSAvoidinstrument assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument assembly is divided into modular components: a separate attachment device with mounting frame, cutting block, and intramedullary instrument. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall precision and reducing complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting frame is designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cutting block position. This dynamic capability enables precise positioning for different surgical requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the cutting block can be firmly secured, but the ease of detachment and repositioning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting block securing reliabilityVSAvoidinstrument detachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism incorporates a control knob that enables easy transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic design provides firm securing when engaged while allowing quick detachment when needed, balancing reliability with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control knob acts as an intermediary element between the user and the locking mechanism. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the locking and unlocking operations, making the secure connection reliable yet easily controllable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple intramedullary instruments are integrated, then comprehensive medullary canal preparation is achieved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument functionality versatilityVSAvoidsurgical operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of intramedullary instruments (reamers, broach assemblies) through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive preparation capability while maintaining ease of operation through consistent attachment and detachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each intramedullary instrument remains a separate, removable component that can be independently selected and attached to the mounting frame. This segmentation allows the surgeon to choose the appropriate instrument for each surgical step without dealing with a permanently complex multi-instrument system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a movable mounting frame is used, then cutting block positioning flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity and potential instability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting block positioning flexibilityVSAvoidinstrument assembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame provides controlled mobility for positioning flexibility during setup, then transitions to a stable locked position during operation. This dynamic design achieves both positioning flexibility and operational stability without requiring a permanently complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the movable mounting frame during operation. It allows the frame to be movable when positioning is needed while providing firm stabilization when the cutting block position is determined, balancing flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2837365B1Tibial orthopaedic surgical instrument
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 DEPUY (IRELAND) LTD
  • EP2837365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2837365B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2837365B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly includes a broach (280) having a tapered outer surface (284), with a plurality of cutting teeth (290) formed on the tapered outer surface. A slot (316) is defined in the upper end of the broach and a broach insert (282) can be positioned in the slot. The broach insert has a tapered outer surface (386), and a plurality of cutting teeth (388) formed on the tapered outer surface. An adaptor (400) has a base (402) which can be positioned in the slot of the broach in place of the broach insert, and a shaft (422) extending from the base. An attachment device (12) has a passageway (64) formed within it which can receive the shaft of the adaptor, and a cutting block (14) can be coupled to the attachment device.