Universal IM Tibial Nail Aiming Guide for Screw Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tibial intramedullary nailing systems lack a distal aiming guide, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming free-hand methods for screw fixation, resulting in excessive radiation exposure and variable accuracy, with existing devices failing to provide simultaneous identification of all screw holes and dynamization options.
Innovation Solution
A novel IM tibial nail aiming guide with a proximal and distal C-shaped aiming guide connected by adjustable support bars and couplers, forming a rigid structure for accurate screw placement, compatible with any existing IM nail system, allowing for adjustable length and angle, and enabling screw dynamization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If free-hand method is used for distal screw fixation, then the procedure can be performed without additional guiding devices, but radiation exposure increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines proximal and distal aiming guides into a single integrated apparatus that simultaneously guides both proximal and distal screw placements. This merging eliminates the need for separate guiding devices and reduces cumulative radiation exposure from multiple fluoroscopic interventions while maintaining accurate screw placement through unified mechanical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based visual guidance system with a mechanical aiming guide system that provides direct physical guidance for screw drilling. By substituting mechanical guidance for radiation-based imaging guidance, the system eliminates the need for repeated fluoroscopic exposure while maintaining placement accuracy through pre-configured drilling paths.
2Measurement precision
If existing distal targeting devices are used, then some guidance is provided, but they require multiple attachments and adaptors increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal aiming guide apparatus that can accommodate multiple IM nail systems without requiring specific attachments or adaptors for each system. The distal aiming guide is configured to work with various nail types and configurations, providing multi-functional capability that eliminates the need for system-specific components and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aiming guide into separable proximal and distal components that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity, avoiding the need for complex integrated attachments required by other systems.
3Measurement precision
If complete tibial nailing systems with distal screw sites are used, then distal guidance is provided, but operative time increases and the system is technically cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the distal aiming guide with predetermined drilling paths and angles for distal screw placement. By preparing the guidance geometry in advance and fixing it to the IM nail before surgery, the system eliminates time-consuming intraoperative adjustments and complex assembly procedures, allowing surgeons to directly follow the pre-established guidance for rapid screw placement.
4Measurement precision
If fixed aiming guides are used, then accurate screw placement is achieved, but adaptability to different nail configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and configurable elements in the aiming guide that allow it to adapt to different IM nail configurations. The distal aiming guide can be positioned and oriented to match various nail types, lengths, and screw hole patterns, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining precise guidance through mechanical constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
An IM tibial nail aiming guide for providing proximal and distal screw fixation in an intramedullary nailing (IMN) of a tibia includes an attachment that connects and disconnects easily from a jig's proximal handle. Specifically, the IM tibial nail aiming guide functions as an aiming guide for accurate fixation of all the respective proximal and distal screw holes in a tibial nail. The IM tibial nail aiming guide has a length and angle that are adjustable, affording the ability to use this IM tibial nail aiming guide with any tibial nail. This IM tibial nail aiming guide is made of radiolucent material that allows for a confirmatory fluoroscopic imaging to verify that both the proximal and distal screws are fixated appropriately. The IM tibial nail aiming guide permits a more accurate, safe, versatile, and efficient approach to tibial IMN.