Trial Sizer for Orthopedic Pilot Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drilling pilot holes in orthopedic procedures lack consistency in angle, spacing, and depth, making it difficult to perfectly match the dimensions of implantable plates, leading to suboptimal stabilization and alignment of vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A trial sizer device with a handle, spacer, and guide body, featuring angled hollow instrument guides and a spacer system that allows for precise alignment and drilling of pilot holes at consistent locations, enabling the use of different spacer thicknesses and visual confirmation of drill depth and fastener placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional drilling methods are used for pilot holes, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the angle, spacing, and depth of pilot holes are inconsistent, leading to imperfect matching with implantable plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trial sizer device as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the drilling process. This device includes a guide body with hollow instrument guides that physically guide the drill bit, ensuring consistent angle, spacing, and depth without requiring complex automated systems. The trial sizer acts as a mechanical mediator that translates surgical intent into precise drilling parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The trial sizer is positioned and secured to the implantable plate before drilling begins. This preliminary positioning establishes the correct orientation and location for all subsequent drilling operations. By setting up the guidance structure in advance, the system ensures that all pilot holes will be drilled with consistent parameters without requiring complex real-time control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple vertebrae need to be aligned with consistent pilot holes, then proper stabilization is achieved, but the time and complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trial sizer device is designed to be universally applicable across multiple vertebrae. The guide body can be repositioned on different vertebrae while maintaining consistent drilling parameters through the same hollow instrument guides. This multi-functional capability allows the same device to ensure reliable alignment across multiple bone structures without requiring separate specialized tools for each vertebra, thereby reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling process is segmented into discrete, repeatable steps using the trial sizer. Each vertebra is drilled independently using the same guidance mechanism, allowing for systematic progression through multiple bones. This segmentation enables consistent results across multiple vertebrae while maintaining procedural efficiency through standardized repetition rather than complex coordinated operations.
3Strength
If precise alignment of fasteners with plate apertures is required, then implant stability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow instrument guides in the guide body serve as intermediaries that physically constrain the drill bit and fastener insertion path. These guides ensure that fasteners are inserted at the correct angle and location to align with plate apertures, eliminating the need for complex measurement and detection systems. The mechanical guidance directly translates intended alignment into actual fastener placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The trial sizer and guide body are designed to self-align with the implantable plate through the positioning features described in the patent. Once positioned, the system automatically ensures correct drilling parameters without requiring continuous measurement or adjustment by the surgeon. The device performs its own alignment function, reducing the burden on the surgeon to detect and measure alignment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for drilling a pilot hole within an object at a predetermined angle. The device includes a spacer having a lateral surface established by a first surface and a second surface and at least a portion of the lateral surface includes an extension. The extension having a proximal end and a distal end where the proximal end abuts the lateral surface and the distal end is configured to couple to a first end of a body. A guide body is also provided and is coupled to the device. The guide member includes a bore extending from a first end to a second end. Subsequent to disposing the spacer within the object, a drilling instrument may be disposed within the guide body thereby drilling out the pilot hole at the prescribed angle.