Output details
15 - General Engineering
Staffordshire University
SURGICAL TARGETING GUIDE
This patent was granted in September 2013. It solves the problem which many orthopaedic surgeons term as the holy grail of orthopaedics – targeting the distal hole in an intramedullary (IM) nail. Many operations can be extended by over 45 minutes (associated with increased morbidity) for this outwardly simple procedure; patients may have a pin-cushion appearance. This interdisciplinary research has led to a solution that enables the targeting of any ‘blind’ hole visible using digital imaging. It resolves the problem of mal-rotation of the foot post IM-nailing; the single most common source of litigation (in the US) following lower limb trauma.
The fundamental research underpinning this patent was conducted at Staffordshire University and the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. This patent has been granted and hence has undergone external review.
