Tibial Target Device Double Channel ACL Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament struggle to accurately align drill channels with the anatomical divergence of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles during knee joint reconstruction, often requiring multiple guide sleeves or complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A targeting device with a single guide sleeve and a second opening at a distance from the first, allowing the first target wire to be folded into the second opening, enabling the introduction of a second target wire with precise alignment to the posterolateral bundle, while ensuring the first wire does not impede the second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single guide sleeve is used with two openings in the arm, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to ensure precise alignment of both drill channels with the divergent bundles
Solution Approach 1:
The single guide sleeve is functionally segmented into two distinct openings (first opening and second opening) in the arm, each targeting a different bundle. This allows one guide structure to perform multiple targeting functions that would otherwise require separate guide sleeves, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to create both drill channels with appropriate alignment.
2Reliability
If the first target wire is left in place during introduction of the second target wire, then anatomical reference is maintained, but the first wire impedes the introduction of the second wire
Solution Approach 1:
The second opening in the arm serves as an intermediary structure that receives the first target wire and facilitates its temporary holding. This allows the first wire to remain in place as an anatomical reference while the arm is manipulated to position the first opening for introduction of the second target wire, resolving the conflict between maintaining reference and enabling sequential wire introduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If the arm is moved to access the second opening, then the second drill channel alignment is achieved, but the first target wire must be temporarily removed from the first opening
Solution Approach 1:
The first target wire is preliminarily introduced through the first opening and positioned in the tibia before the arm is repositioned. The wire remains in the tibia providing anatomical reference, while only the proximal end needs to be accessed through the openings. This preliminary positioning allows subsequent manipulation of the arm to access the second opening without needing to completely remove or re-introduce wires, minimizing time loss.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (10) has a guide sleeve (18) that is removably fixed to a handle (12) and has a distal end (22) that forms a target point at a bone. A projecting arm (28) has a distal end that forms another target point at a tibia plateau. The distal end of the arm has an opening (42) at an area (38). The opening is aligned with a longitudinal axis (44) of the guide sleeve, so that a target wire is guided via the guide sleeve by the device attached to tibia, after penetration of the bone. Another opening (50) is provided at a distance from the opening (42) in the area.