Wrist Bone Alignment Device with Adjustable Targeting Limbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aligning bones in the human upper extremities, particularly the scaphoid and lunate bones, are inadequate as they fail to simultaneously target both bones precisely, lack stability during wrist movement, and require significant surgical skill for alignment, often resulting in misalignment or dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A targeting device that externally clamps to the patient's hand with a quick release mechanism, allowing for precise alignment of a guide wire relative to both scaphoid and lunate bones, includes a soft-tissue protector, and features adjustable components to maintain alignment during wrist movement, ensuring stability and accurate placement of screws or pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing clamping devices are used to align bones, then the wrist can be held in position, but the device cannot simultaneously target both scaphoid and lunate bones precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting device is divided into separate functional modules: a clamping mechanism for securing the wrist and a targeting mechanism with adjustable limbs for positioning over specific bones. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while working together to achieve precise multi-bone alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting device is designed with adjustable limbs and multiple targeting options that enable it to accommodate and target different bones (scaphoid, lunate, and others) in the wrist. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple targeting functions rather than requiring separate devices for each bone.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing clamping devices are used to hold the wrist, then stability is provided, but the device does not lock onto the targeted bones, only the exterior of the wrist
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces intermediate targeting limbs that extend from the clamping mechanism to contact or align with the targeted bones directly. These intermediary components serve as mediators between the external clamp and the internal bone structures, allowing the device to lock onto both the wrist exterior and the target bones simultaneously for enhanced precision and stability.
3Ease of operation
If existing devices are used for bone alignment, then percutaneous guidewire placement can be facilitated, but the devices are not completely stable when the wrist is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting device incorporates adjustable and movable components that can adapt to wrist movements. The limbs can be repositioned and re-locked onto the bones even after wrist movement occurs, maintaining stability and alignment throughout the surgical procedure rather than becoming misaligned or dislodged.
4Stability of the object's composition
If existing clamping devices are used, then the hand can be held in position, but considerable surgical skill is required for alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting device is designed with self-aligning features and intuitive adjustment mechanisms that reduce the skill level required for proper alignment. The device itself provides guidance and stability, compensating for operator inexperience and reducing the reliance on surgeon skill for achieving accurate bone alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator assembly includes a vertical shaft carrying a lower horizontal jaw held in fixed position relative to the shaft. The shaft carries an horizontally extending dorsal plate that can adjust vertically relative to the lower jaw by means of the vertical shaft. A targeting wing couples to the elevator shaft and is selectively adjustable up and down along the shaft by means of an elevator adjustment screw. The targeting wing includes at least one horizontal slot that is adapted to slideably receive a soft tissue protector and needle assembly. The soft tissue protector can lock in the slot of the targeting wing by rotating its oval body about 90-degrees clockwise.