Universal Cutting Jig for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems require multiple sets of instrumentation due to system-specific cutting jigs, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity, as they are designed for single TKA system profiles, which does not accommodate the varied anatomies and needs of patients.

Innovation Solution

A universal cutting jig and corresponding femoral and tibial components with similar proximal sides but distinct distal sides, allowing for multiple TKA system designs to be used with a single jig, enabling surgeons to choose from various profiles and sizes without the need for multiple instrumentation sets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If system-specific cutting jigs are used for each TKA system design, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidinstrumentation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting jig is designed with a universal profile that can accommodate multiple TKA system designs through interchangeable cutting members or adjustable components. The jig maintains system-specific precision requirements while serving multiple articulating surface designs, thereby reducing the number of distinct jigs needed without compromising cutting accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of instrumentation are provided for different TKA designs, then adaptability to varied patient anatomies is improved, but loss of time and surgical efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical adaptabilityVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The instrumentation system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can be reconfigured during surgery to match different anatomical requirements. The cutting jig includes adjustable parameters such as resection depth, angle, and positioning that can be modified without changing the entire instrument set, allowing rapid adaptation to varied patient anatomies while maintaining surgical efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of instrumentation are required for multiple TKA designs, then adaptability to varied patient needs is improved, but ease of operation and storage complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidsurgical simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple TKA system designs are merged into a single cutting jig platform through modular components. The jig integrates universal positioning features with interchangeable cutting members that correspond to different articulating surface designs, consolidating what would traditionally require separate instrument sets into one unified system that maintains design-specific functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8409210B2Total knee arthroplasty method

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 JMEA CORP

AI summary

A total knee arthroplasty (TKA) set that includes a universal cutting jig for shaping the distal femur is disclosed, along with corresponding TKA methods. The universal cutting jig may be used to create a shaped femur that can receive multiple and different TKA implant designs. A universal high flexion knee system adapted for left-right use is also disclosed.