Universal Hip Fracture Targeting Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical instrumentation for hip fracture reduction procedures is complex and requires assembly of multiple components, making it non-modular and non-universal, which can lead to alignment errors during the minimally invasive implantation of fracture fixation components.

Innovation Solution

A universal targeting apparatus with a U-shaped body and rotatable targeting arm that aligns with transverse apertures at different angles, featuring a locking mechanism using magnets or pins to secure the arm in position, allowing for precise alignment without the need for extensive assembly at the surgical site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate targeting components are used to accommodate different lag screw angles, then adaptability to different anatomical orientations is improved, but device complexity and assembly requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different lag screw anglesVSAvoidnumber of components to assemble

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The targeting apparatus incorporates a rotatable arm with multiple targeting bores oriented at different angles (e.g., 125 degrees and 130 degrees relative to the intramedullary implant). This single universal device can accommodate multiple lag screw angles without requiring separate components, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The targeting arm is designed to be rotatable relative to the U-shaped body, allowing dynamic adjustment between different targeting orientations. This dynamic capability enables the apparatus to adapt to various anatomical configurations while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that does not require complex assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a non-modular targeting device is used to eliminate component assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different fixation arrangements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of use at surgical siteVSAvoiduniversality for different fixation arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus integrates multiple targeting functions into a single non-modular device. The U-shaped body with rotatable arm contains targeting bores for multiple lag screw angles, eliminating the need for component assembly while maintaining universality across different fixation arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple targeting functions that would traditionally require separate components are merged into a single integrated apparatus. The rotatable arm combines multiple targeting orientations in one device, achieving both ease of operation and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive assembly of targeting components is required before use, then adaptability to different angles is improved, but loss of time during procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to target multiple anglesVSAvoidassembly time at surgical site

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The targeting apparatus is provided in a pre-assembled, ready-to-use configuration with all targeting capabilities integrated. The rotatable arm with multiple targeting bores is already positioned and configured, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly procedures at the surgical site while retaining full adaptability to different angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The apparatus simplifies the procedure by accommodating various lag screw angles and minimizing alignment errors, providing a modular and universal solution for hip fracture reduction that is easy to use and adaptable to different anatomical orientations.

Implementation Method 1

The magnets are configured to magnetically attract to one another to magnetically hold the targeting arm in the selected position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8303600B2Targeting apparatus for use in a medical procedure

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 BIOMET CV

AI summary

A universal targeting apparatus includes a generally U-shaped body having one end configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the intramedullary implant and a mounting portion at an opposite end of said body. An arm is rotatably mounted to the mounting portion of the U-shaped body and includes bores defined at its opposite ends. Each bore is arranged at a different angle to correspond to the angle of a transverse aperture in the intramedullary implant. The arm can be rotated so an appropriate one of the angled bores is aligned with the transverse aperture to serve as a guide for creating targeting holes in the bone.