X-ray Cutblock Positioning Jig for Bone Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for customizing cut block guides for bone surgery are costly and time-consuming, relying on expensive imaging modalities like CT and MRI, and often require an intramedullary rod.
Innovation Solution
A positioning jig system with adjustable alignment members and guide members that use x-ray images to position a cut block accurately on a patient's bone, eliminating the need for an intramedullary rod and reducing reliance on costly imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom cut block guides are designed based on CT and MRI imaging, then patient-specific bone cuts can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning jig is pre-configured with alignment members and guide members before surgery based on standard x-ray images. The alignment members are adjusted to match the patient's anatomy from pre-operative x-rays, allowing the cut block to be positioned correctly without requiring time-consuming CT/MRI analysis and custom manufacturing. This preliminary setup enables same-day customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard x-ray imaging instead of expensive CT and MRI scans. The positioning jig itself can be a disposable or single-use device that is configured based on inexpensive x-ray images, eliminating the need for costly imaging modalities while achieving the same patient-specific customization goal.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom cut block guides are designed based on CT and MRI imaging, then patient-specific bone cuts can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive CT and MRI imaging with standard x-ray imaging, which is significantly less costly. The positioning jig is configured based on these inexpensive x-ray images, eliminating the need for expensive imaging modalities while maintaining patient-specific customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating custom guides based on detailed 3D CT/MRI models, the invention uses 2D x-ray images to determine alignment member settings. This copying approach from simpler, cheaper imaging data achieves the necessary precision for bone cuts without the cost of advanced imaging.
3Measurement precision
If an intramedullary rod is used for positioning, then alignment can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential alignment function from the complex intramedullary rod system. Instead of using a rod that requires insertion into the bone marrow cavity, the positioning jig uses external alignment members that contact the bone surface directly, simplifying the device while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into separate functional components: alignment members for positioning, guide members for directing the cut block, and a base for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the complexity of an integrated intramedullary rod system.
Data Source
AI summary
A cut block positioning jig including a first alignment member, a second alignment member, and both first and second guide members. The first alignment member is movable towards and away from a patient's bone to which the positioning jig is mounted to arrange the jig at a predetermined position relative to the bone based on x-rays of the patient. The second alignment member is movable towards and away from the bone to arrange the jig at the predetermined position relative to the bone. The first and second guide members are configured to direct cut block support members to the bone to couple a cut block to the bone to provide the bone with patient-specific cuts.