Tibial Resection Guide Alignment With Adaptive Spring Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tibial alignment devices for joint prosthesis implantation suffer from inefficient handling, inconsistent clamping forces causing hematomas, and inability to adapt to varying patient anatomies, leading to complications and increased costs due to the need for multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
A single alignment device that integrates both anterior and proximal fixation principles, featuring a spring-elastic clamp with a ratchet mechanism for secure, atraumatic attachment to the tibia, and a telescopic shaft with adjustable locking units for precise alignment and easy removal, allowing adaptation to various anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-loaded clamp arms are used for fixation, then the alignment device can be quickly attached and released, but the clamping force causes hematomas and varies depending on patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arms are made spring-elastic to provide adaptive clamping force that accommodates varying patient anatomies without causing hematomas. The spring mechanism automatically adjusts the clamping pressure to match the specific anatomy of each patient's distal tibia, eliminating the need for manual force adjustment while preventing tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism transitions from a rigid fixed-force system to a dynamic spring-loaded system that can adapt its clamping force. The spring-elastic clamp arms provide continuous adjustment capability, allowing the alignment device to maintain secure attachment while accommodating anatomical variations and releasing easily when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alignment systems are used to cover different anatomical sizes, then all patient anatomies can be accommodated, but costs and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is designed with spring-elastic clamp arms that can adapt to a universal range of anatomical sizes and shapes. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized systems, allowing one alignment device to serve all patient populations regardless of their specific anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is divided into adjustable spring-elastic segments that can independently adapt to different anatomical dimensions. This segmentation allows the same basic device structure to accommodate varying tibia sizes through the elastic deformation and adjustment capability of individual clamp arm segments.
3Device complexity
If conventional fixation clamps with varying contact pressure are used, then the device can be simplified, but the holding force varies depending on ankle joint shape
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-elastic material properties of the clamp arms provide consistent holding force across different ankle joint shapes. The elastic modulus and spring constant are selected to ensure that the clamping force remains within an optimal range regardless of the specific anatomical configuration, maintaining reliable fixation while keeping the design simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient, secure, and rapid fixation and release of the alignment device, reducing the risk of hematomas and simplifying handling while maintaining precision and adaptability to different patient anatomies, thereby reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp elements of the clamping device are each spring-elastic or made of a spring-elastic material
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet mechanism for secure, atraumatic attachment to the tibia
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~10
Figure 11~13a
AI summary
The invention relates to an alignment device (1) for a tibial resection guide, comprising: a clamping device (2) which has at least two clamping elements (4, 4a) acting against one another for clamping the distal end of a tibia (3) of a patient; a contact device (6) for contacting the proximal end of the tibia (3), which device comprises a tool guiding device (8) for guiding a tool during the resection of the tibia (3); and a telescopic device (10) which is separably connected to the contact device (6) and adjustably connected to the clamping device (2) and is designed to align the devices (2, 6) with respect to the tibia (3), the telescopic device (10) also having, in its proximal region (52), a decoupling device (12) which is designed to separate the contact device (6) from the telescopic device (10) when activated; and the clamping elements (4) of the clamping device (2) are designed such that the telescopic device (10) can be removed from the tibia (3) with one hand after the decoupling device (12) is activated.