Trochanteric Nail Intermediate Opening for Guide Jig Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intramedullary nails can be difficult to install, particularly in the distal end, as surgeons often need to place bone screws without a guide jig, which can complicate the fixation process.
Innovation Solution
A trochanteric nail design featuring an elongate body with a head portion at the proximal end and a stem portion toward the distal end, including openings for anchoring members, with an intermediate opening in the stem portion to facilitate easier installation using a guide jig.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bone screws are placed through apertures in the distal end of the nail without a guide jig, then the fixation can be achieved, but the installation becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide jig as an intermediary tool that interfaces with the targeting opening in the nail. This guide jig mediates between the surgeon's drilling action and the aperture in the distal end of the nail, providing precise alignment and guidance for screw placement without requiring complex freehand techniques
2Ease of operation
If an intermediate opening is added to the stem portion of the nail, then the ease of installation is improved through guide jig usage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate opening is pre-positioned in the stem portion of the nail at a specific location that allows the guide jig to be attached during the surgical procedure. This preliminary structural feature enables the surgeon to establish accurate alignment and orientation before inserting the anchoring members, simplifying the overall installation process
Data Source
AI summary
A trochanteric nail for insertion in an intramedullary canal of a bone for treating bone fractures. The nail may include an elongate body having a head portion and a stem portion. One or more openings may be provided in the head portion for receiving an anchoring member, such as a bone screw, for fastening the nail within the bone. An intermediate opening may also be provided in the stem portion for receiving an anchoring member. A distal area of the nail may include or be free from anchoring members. In addition, a set of nails may be provided with each nail of the set of nails having a different length in which the intermediate opening is the same distance from the proximal end for each nail.