Invention:
The invention is a design for a minimally invasive percutaneous guide for pin placement used in hip fracture fixation. This guide is placed on the thigh but rigidly affixed to the femur, providing a stable platform for pin placement. The guide enables independent control of position and rotation on both anterior/ posterior and lateral fluoroscopy, allowing steady progress through the operation.
Background:
Hip fractures, common in the elderly, are typically treated with indirect reduction and percutaneous fixation. Correct placement of the fixation device depends on accurate placement of its guide pin. This is difficult for novice surgeons to achieve because it requires simultaneous control of pin position and orientation in two planes. Repeated attempts at pin placement lead to increased operative time and risk of implant failure.
Advantages:
- Provides stable platform for pin placement aligned with patient anatomy
- Independent control of pin position and angles on anterior/posterior and lateral fluoroscopy
- Helps a novice surgeon to attain results equal to those of an expert surgeon
Application:
- Treatment of proximal femur fractures
- Orthopedic trauma and reconstructive surgery
Status: issued U.S. patent #10,646,695
