Ultrasound-Guided Orthopaedic Fixation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic fixation systems face challenges in aligning anchoring elements and stabilisation elements relative to each other, particularly when more than two anchoring elements are involved, due to their mechanical complexity and the need for additional equipment and work steps.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic fixation system that includes an anchoring element with a stabilisation element seating and an extension device, where the extension device has a longitudinal extent with a detachable distal section, and a holding device with a probe seating for an extracorporeal ultrasound probe, allowing for easier alignment and insertion of the stabilisation element using ultrasound guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical alignment methods are used for anchoring elements and stabilisation elements, then alignment can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment systems (such as circular arc guides and guide wires) with an ultrasound-based imaging and guidance system. The ultrasound probe provides real-time visual feedback for aligning the stabilisation element with the anchoring element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guide structures while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound probe acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the anatomical structures. It provides indirect visualisation of the stabilisation element seating and guiding structures, allowing alignment without direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical guides. The imaging data serves as a mediator to guide the insertion process.
2Ease of operation
If guide wires and additional equipment are used for alignment, then stabilisation element insertion can be guided, but equipment expenditure and work steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for guide wires and other intermediate alignment equipment from the surgical process. The ultrasound imaging system directly visualizes the target structures and provides real-time feedback, allowing the stabilisation element to be inserted without threading guide wires through the anatomy first. This reduces both equipment requirements and procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound imaging system provides self-guidance by directly visualizing the anatomical landmarks and stabilisation element seating. The system serves its own alignment function without requiring separate mechanical guides or wire-based positioning systems. The real-time imaging allows the surgeon to self-correct alignment based on visual feedback from the ultrasound data.
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
This system enables easier and more precise alignment of the stabilisation element relative to the anchoring element, reducing equipment expenditure and allowing for minimally invasive procedures by using existing ultrasound probes and minimizing additional incisions.
Implementation Method 1
a holding device with a probe seating for an extracorporeal ultrasound probe... and the stabilisation element is detected by means of the ultrasound probe
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic fixation system includes an anchoring element, which can be anchored to a bone and can be connected to a further anchoring element by means of a stabilization element. The anchoring element may include a stabilization element seating, into which the stabilization element can be guided. The orthopaedic fixation system may also include an extension device for the anchoring element having a longitudinal extent with a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section can be detachably fixed to the anchoring element. The fixation system may further include a holding device with a probe seating for an extracorporeal ultrasound probe and a coupling device for coupling the holding device to the proximal section of the extension device. A targeting device for a fixation system and an orthopaedic fixation method are also described.