Adaptive Knee Resection and Gap Balancing Instruments for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts knee resection and gap balancing instruments for kinematic alignment to address specific challenges in high-altitude, disaster relief, high-security, extreme cold, and remote resource-constrained settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent provides a comprehensive solution for knee resection and gap balancing instruments for kinematic alignment. However, these instruments may not be suitable for specific, niche environments where additional features and adaptations are necessary. The inventive concept addresses these limitations by developing specialized instruments that cater to these unique operational environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a family of knee resection and gap balancing instrument systems, each designed for a specific environment. For high-altitude environments, the system incorporates a barometric sensor to adjust resection plane alignment based on atmospheric pressure. For disaster relief settings, the system is portable, waterproof, and includes a solar-powered battery and waterproof storage case. For high-security environments, the system features encryption-enabled data transmission and biometric authentication. For extreme cold environments, the system has a thermally insulated housing and a heating element to maintain optimal operating temperatures. For remote, resource-constrained settings, the system has a modular, field-replaceable design and a user-friendly interface for minimally trained personnel.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of knee resection and gap balancing instruments for kinematic alignment to specific, niche environments. The inventive step is the integration of specialized features and adaptations that address the unique challenges of each environment, thereby providing a tailored solution for each setting.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include additional features such as GPS tracking, real-time data transmission, or integrated imaging capabilities. Variations could include different materials, sizes, or configurations to accommodate diverse user needs and preferences.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and medical device industries, particularly in niche markets such as disaster relief, high-security, and extreme environment applications. The target industries include orthopedic device manufacturers, medical device companies, and healthcare providers operating in these specialized environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/155 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/157 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1675 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1764 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/90 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/564 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/061 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical instrumentation, specifically knee arthroplasty positioning and resection systems, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomechanical knowledge, and medical device design expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical instrument designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device development, familiar with surgical positioning technologies, mechanical adaptations, and environmental engineering constraints
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental knee resection positioning system provides a modular framework readily adaptable to specialized environmental conditions. The core mechanical coupling and alignment principles remain consistent across the PTD's variations, with environmental sensors and protective features representing predictable engineering modifications. The systematic approach of tailoring surgical instrumentation to specific operational contexts represents a logical extension of existing medical device design methodologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,202 |
|---|---|
| Title | Knee resection and gap balancing instruments and techniques for kinematic alignment |
| Assignee(s) | Zimmer, Inc. |