ANATOMICAL MODELS AND METHODS OF USE

Anatomical models capable of mimicking a range of motion of a human skeletal joint. The models include first and second facsimile bone members having adjacent interconnected portions to define a facsimile skeletal joint, and a rod assembly. A first end of a rod of the rod assembly has a clamping assembly mounted thereto that includes clamping members for clamping a portion of the first facsimile bone member therebetween. The clamping assembly includes a clamping mechanism operable to collapse the clamping members toward each other to capture and compress the portion of the first facsimile bone member therebetween and prevent the first facsimile bone member from being removed either axially or transversely from the rod assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to anatomical models. The invention particularly relates to anatomical models capable of mimicking articulation of the human skeletal joints, for example, the knee and hip joints.

Orthopaedic demonstration and training models are available which include facsimile human skeletal bones capable of use in surgical education, including surgeries that include bone cutting and orthopaedic prosthesis placement. The quality of such models is generally judged by the extent to which they accurately reproduce their human component counterparts, particularly with relation to properties such as anatomical accuracy, tissue response to interaction with instruments (e.g., needles, scalpels, etc.), and biomechanics. While advances continue to be made in the quality of such models, there is an ongoing desire for more accurate models. In particular, many commercially available models are limited in their ability to accurately replicate the complex kinematics of human skeletal bones, especially for skeletal joints such as the knee (genu) and hip (acetabulofemoral) joints. Therefore, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable if anatomical models were available that were capable of more accurately mimicking the complex kinematics of human skeletal bones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The intent of this section of the specification is to briefly indicate the nature and substance of the invention, as opposed to an exhaustive statement of all subject matter and aspects of the invention. Therefore, while this section identifies subject matter recited in the claims, additional subject matter and aspects relating to the invention are set forth in other sections of the specification, particularly the detailed description, as well as any drawings.

The present invention provides anatomical models capable of mimicking a range of motion of a human skeletal joint, for example the human knee and hip joints.

According to a nonlimiting aspect of the invention, an anatomical model includes first and second facsimile bone members having adjacent interconnected portions to define a facsimile skeletal joint, and a rod assembly comprising a rod having oppositely-disposed first and second ends. The first end of the rod has a clamping assembly mounted thereto that comprises first and second clamping members for clamping a portion of the first facsimile bone member therebetween. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping mechanism operable to collapse the first and second clamping members toward each other to capture and compress the portion of the first facsimile bone member therebetween and prevent the first facsimile bone member from being removed either axially or transversely from the rod assembly, and operable to expand the first and second clamping members away from each other to release the portion of the first facsimile bone member therebetween and allow the first facsimile bone member to be removed both axially and transversely from the rod assembly.

According to another nonlimiting aspect of the invention, an anatomical model is provided that includes first and second facsimile bone members, upper and lower leg members, first and second ligament members, and a first holding assembly. The first facsimile bone member has a proximal end and a distal end wherein the distal end includes a facsimile distal portion of a human femur. The second facsimile bone member has a proximal end and a distal end wherein the proximal end includes a facsimile proximal portion of a human tibia. The upper leg member is representative of a portion of a human thigh and has proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the first facsimile bone member extends from the distal end of the upper leg member. The lower leg member is representative of a portion of a human lower leg and a human foot and has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the second facsimile bone member extends from the proximal end of the lower leg member. The first and second ligament members couple lateral sides of the distal end of the first facsimile bone member to the lateral sides of the proximal end of the second facsimile bone member to at least partially define a knee joint of the anatomical model. The knee joint is configured for articulation that mimics the articulation of the human knee joint. The distal end of the first facsimile bone member and the proximal end of the second facsimile bone member are aligned in a manner that mimics the anatomical alignment of the distal femur and the proximal tibia in the human knee joint during articulation of the knee joint. The first and second ligament members mimic tension properties of the human lateral and medial collateral ligaments during articulation of the knee joint. The first holding assembly is configured to be secured to a fixture, couple with the proximal end of the upper leg member, and provide a range of motion of the upper leg member that mimics the full range of motion of the human hip joint.

According to another nonlimiting aspect of the invention, a method is provided that includes coupling the second end of the first rod assembly to a fixture to provide a range of motion of the first rod assembly that mimics a range of motion of the human hip joint, optionally coupling the second end of the second rod assembly to a fixture to provide a range of motion of the first and second rod assemblies that mimics a range of motion of the human hip joint, and manually manipulating the anatomical model to adjust relative positions of the first facsimile bone member and the second facsimile bone member by articulating at least the first rod assembly to a position within a range of motion of the human hip joint and optionally articulating the second rod assembly to a position within a range of motion of the human knee joint.

Technical effects of anatomical models and methods as described above preferably include the ability to teach and/or practice anatomical, medical, and surgical concepts with accurate kinematics of the human hip and knee joints.

Other aspects and advantages of this invention will be appreciated from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The intended purpose of the following detailed description of the invention and the phraseology and terminology employed therein is to describe what is shown in the drawings, which include the depiction of one or more nonlimiting embodiments of the invention, and to describe certain but not all aspects of what is depicted in the drawings, including the embodiment(s) depicted in the drawings. The following detailed description also identifies certain but not all alternatives of the embodiment(s) depicted in the drawings. As nonlimiting examples, the invention encompasses additional or alternative embodiments in which one or more features or aspects shown and/or described as part of a particular depicted embodiment could be eliminated, and also encompasses additional or alternative embodiments that combine two or more features or aspects shown and/or described as part of different depicted embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims, and not the detailed description, are intended to recite what are believed to be aspects of the invention, including certain but not necessarily all of the aspects and alternatives described in the detailed description.

Disclosed herein are anatomical models suitable for anatomical and medial education-related activities such as but not limited to surgical training activities that may include bone cutting and orthopaedic prosthesis placement. The models include components representative of various human tissues that are arranged relative to each other in anatomically accurate positions. Some or all of these components may be configured to reproduce certain properties of the human tissues represented thereby, including but not limited to tissue density, texture, color, etc. The models may further include the capability of moving or articulating these components relative to each other in manners which accurately mimic the kinematics of certain skeletal joints of the human body, such as the knee (genu), hip (acetabulofemoral), shoulder (glenohumeral), and/or elbow (articulatio cubiti: humeroulnar, humeroradial, and proximal radioulnar) joints. For convenience, certain aspects of the invention will be hereinafter described in reference to the human leg, including the hip and knee joints and tissues associated therewith. However, it should be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments and that the teachings herein may be more broadly applicable to other portions of the human body or portions of various animal bodies.

FIGS.1through8represent nonlimiting embodiments of an anatomical model10that is particularly adapted for use during various educational activities, such as teaching, learning, and practicing medical concepts and techniques such as, for example, robotic assisted knee arthroplasty surgery. The model10is specifically configured to not only reproduce certain human tissues associated with the human leg (a left leg in this nonlimiting illustrated embodiment), but to also provide for articulation that preferably mimics a full range of motion of both the human knee and hip joints. For convenience, some components of the model10will be referred to herein as having proximal/upper and distal/lower ends. Such terms refer to the anatomical positioning of the human tissue counterparts of the components relative to a human body while such human is standing.

As used herein, the phrase “full range of motion” of a human skeletal joint refers to a maximum amount of passive movement (i.e., due to an external force) capable for a specific joint in any direction as limited by the soft and hard tissues associated with the joint and without damaging such soft and hard tissues. Since the full range of motion is based on passive movements, the full range of motion may be in excess of a “normal range of motion” of the specific joint, which is based on active movements (i.e., requiring muscle contraction). Measurements of the full range of motion are generally measured in degrees and may be based on an average human as known in the art. The full range of motion of a joint may be dependent on certain aspects such as sex, age, weight, height, etc. As nonlimiting examples based on typical human capabilities, the full range of motion for the human hip joint may be equal to or greater than 0 to 100 degrees for flexion, 0 to 30 degrees for backward extension, 0 to 40 degrees for abduction, 20 to 0 degrees for adduction, 0 to 60 degrees for lateral rotation (i.e., rotation away from the center of the body), and 0 to 40 degrees for medial rotation (i.e., rotation toward the center of the body) and the full range of motion for the human knee joint may be equal to or greater than 0 to 150 degrees for flexion and 120 to 0 degrees for extension.

Referring toFIGS.1through3, the model10includes exposed first and second facsimile bone members12and14extending from upper and lower leg members22and30. In combination, the bone and leg members12,14,22, and30represent portions of a human leg with certain soft and hard tissues adjacent the knee region omitted to expose the knee joint13between the facsimile bone members12and14. In the example depicted in the drawings, the first facsimile bone member12is configured to provide a facsimile distal portion of a human femur, the second facsimile bone member14is configured to provide a facsimile proximal portion of a human tibia, the upper leg member22is configured to represent a portion of a human thigh, and the lower leg member30is configured to represent a portion of a human lower leg and a human foot32. In addition, the model10includes exposed first and second ligament members40and42(FIGS.6and8) coupling the first and second facsimile bone members12and14. These ligament members40and42are configured to represent and mimic the human lateral and medial collateral ligaments. In certain examples, the knee region of the model10may include one or more additional components (not shown) configured to represent or reproduce the kneecap (patella) and/or other human tissues.

The upper leg member22and the lower leg member30are represented in the drawings as releasably supported with first and second holding assemblies56and74, respectively. The first holding assembly56is coupled to a proximal end of the upper leg member22and configured to provide articulation to the upper leg member22. Preferably, the first holding assembly56is configured to provide a range of motion to the upper leg member22that mimics a full range of motion provided by the human hip to the human thigh. The second holding assembly74is represented as coupled to a heel34of the foot32of the lower leg member30. In the illustrated embodiments, the second holding assembly74is preferably capable of providing articulation to the lower leg member30to simulate the rolling of a human heel on a surface. Preferably, both of the holding assemblies56and74are capable of selectively fixing the positions of articulation of the respective leg members22and30. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the first and second holding assemblies56and74are configured to fix the position of the upper and/or lower leg members22and30such that the first and second facsimile bone members12and14are at proper anatomical orientations for the purpose of performing a surgical orthopaedic procedure. Each of the holding assemblies56and74may be configured to be rigidly secured to a fixture100or other equipment (FIGS.2and3), such as a table. Various mechanisms may be used for securing the holding assemblies56and74to the fixture100, including but not limited to various fasteners, clamping mechanisms, and rail systems.

In the nonlimiting example ofFIGS.1through3, the holding assembly56includes a mounting member58having a rail clamp60protruding from a face thereof and the holding assembly74includes a mounting member76having a rail clamp78protruding from a face thereof. The clamps60and78are represented as configured to receive therein side rails of a rail system, such as those commonly found on surgical tables, and to optionally be secured in position thereon with one or more fasteners or locking mechanisms. Extension flanges64and82are cantilevered from the mounting members58and76, respectively, on a face thereof opposite the rail clamps60and78. The first holding assembly56includes a rotation member66coupled to the extension flange64and configured for rotation about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the extension flange64. A ball joint assembly68is fixed to a face of the rotation member66adjacent a distal end thereof and a mounting rod70extends therefrom. The second holding assembly74includes a ball joint assembly84fixed directly to a face of the extension flange82with a mounting rod86extending therefrom. The first and second holding assemblies56and74each include locking mechanisms62and80configured to selectively and releasably fix the position of a ball of the ball joint assemblies68and84and thereby fix the position of the mounting rods70and86, respectively. The locking mechanisms62and80may be controlled with a lever72and hand knob88, respectively.

The mounting rod70of the first holding assembly56is represented inFIG.2as configured to interface with a recess in a proximal end of a shaft assembly46that includes a curved segment50and a linear segment48that are preferably releasably coupled to each other. Alternatively, the shaft assembly46could be an integral shaft. The linear segment48is configured to be secured to the proximal end of the upper leg member22. In the nonlimiting example shown in the drawings, the linear segment48is received and releasably secured within a recess (not visible) defined in the proximal end of the upper leg member22. The mounting rod86of the second holding assembly74is releasably received in a recess (not visible) defined in the heel34of the foot32of the lower leg member30. Optionally, one or both of the mounting rods70and86may be configured to be secured in their respective recesses of the shaft assembly46and the heel34with, for example, a fastener or locking mechanism.

The mounting rods70and86of the first and second holding assemblies56and74may include distal ends configured to promote ease of insertion and securement within the recesses of the shaft assembly46and the lower leg member30, respectively. In the embodiments represented inFIGS.4and5, the distal end of the mounting rod86includes a body that transitions from a first portion having a rectangular cross section to a second portion having a conical cross section that ends with a rounded distal tip. The distal end of the mounting rod70may be similarly shaped. Sides of the first portion having the rectangular cross section may promote ease of fixing the positions of the mounting rods70and86with the locking mechanisms (if included), whereas the second portion having the conical section ending with a rounded tip may promote ease of insertion thereof into the corresponding recesses of the shaft assembly46and the lower leg member30.

FIGS.4and5represent alternative examples of the second holding assembly74. InFIG.4, the rail clamp78of the second assembly74protrudes from an opposite face of the mounting member76relative to what is shown inFIGS.1and2. The rail clamp60of the first assembly56can be similarly configured to protrude from an opposite face of the mounting member58relative to what is shown inFIGS.1and2. InFIG.5, instead of the rail clamp78, the second holding assembly74includes an additional extension flange94and a bolt96threadably coupled thereto having a flat working end98and an opposite hand knob100. These components, in combination with the mounting member76and the extension flange82, define a C-clamp configured to releasably secure the second holding assembly74to the fixture100. The first holding assembly56may have a similar clamping structure as shown for the second holding assembly74ofFIG.5.

The first and second facsimile bone members12and14are preferably releasably secured to the upper and lower leg members22and30, respectively. In the nonlimiting embodiment represented in the drawings, the distal end of the upper leg member22and the proximal end of the lower leg member30include recesses26and36, respectively, configured to receive and releasably secure proximal and distal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14therein, respectively. In this example, clamping mechanisms28and38are threadably coupled to the upper and lower leg members22and30and operable via hand knobs to selectively contact and apply compressive forces on the facsimile bone members12and14within the recesses26and36to secure the ends of the facsimile bone members12and14therein, respectively.

The proximal and distal ends of, respectively, the first and second facsimile bone members12and14received within the recesses26and36of the upper and lower leg members22and30, respectively, may have configurations that are facsimile portions of human bones. Alternatively, the proximal and distal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, respectively, may have configurations that are not facsimile portions of human bones but instead are configured to promote ease of being received and/or secured within the recesses26and36of the upper and lower leg members22and30. For example, inFIG.8the first facsimile bone member12includes a proximal end having a rectangular cross section and the second facsimile bone member14includes a distal end with an enlarged cross-sectional perimeter having a truncated stadium cross section.

As noted previously, the first and second facsimile bone members12and14are represented as coupled with the first and second ligament members40and42. The first and second ligament members40and42may be rotatably and releasably or permanently secured with, for example, fasteners44to lateral and medial sides of the distal and proximal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, respectively.FIG.6represents an enlarged view of the first ligament member40secured to the lateral sides of the distal and proximal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, respectively. Preferably, the first and second ligament members40and42are configured to align the distal and proximal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, respectively, in a manner that mimics the anatomical alignment of the human distal femur and the proximal tibia in the knee joint13and maintain such alignment through the articulation of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14through a range of motion that mimics a full range of motion capable by a human knee, including full extension thereof as represented inFIG.7. In addition, the first and second ligament members40and42are preferably though not necessarily configured to mimic tension properties of the human lateral and medial collateral ligaments during articulation of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14. The tension properties of the first and second ligament members40and42may be tailored based on the materials of which the first and second ligament members40and42are formed, as well as the lengths, widths, and thicknesses of the first and second ligament members40and42, profiles of the first and second ligament members40and42along longitudinal and lateral axes thereof, and locations of attachment of the first and second ligament members40and42to the first and second facsimile bone members12and14(which define axes of rotation thereof). The bilateral diaphysis clamps126and136are lock in place the metaphysis block on the distal ends of the facsimile bone members112and114(e.g., facsimile femur and tibia) to ensure the anatomical model can accurately mimic the anatomical position of the human femur and tibia, as exemplified inFIG.23.

The first and second facsimile bone members12and14may be configured to couple with one or more additional components (not shown) configured to represent or reproduce other human tissues. InFIGS.6and8, the first and second facsimile bone members12and14are each represented as including at least one portal16for receiving and securing therein a fastener, a connection member, or the like, by which one or more of additional components may be coupled to the first and/or second facsimile bone members12and14. As nonlimiting examples, the additional components may include additional facsimile bone members that mimic a human patella and/or at least a proximal portion of a human fibula, additional ligament members, or other additional soft tissues (e.g., muscle, skin, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiments, in which the model10is intended to be used for practicing surgical techniques, the first and second facsimile bone members12and14may be further configured to mimic the distal portion of the human femur and the proximal portion of the human tibia, respectively, through an entirety of cross sections of the distal and proximal ends thereof, respectively. For example,FIG.8represents a cross section of the distal end of the first facsimile bone member12. As represented, the first facsimile bone member12is formed to have an exterior portion18and an interior portion20that mimic the properties of the cortical and cancellous layers of human knees bones, respectively. The second facsimile bone member14may be similarly configured to have exterior and interior portions as those represented for the first facsimile bone member12. The properties of such exterior and interior portions may differ, for example, in terms of density, texture, porosity, cross-sectional profile, thickness, etc. The facsimile knee bones112and114have the ability to be designed and customized to any anatomical representation of the human knee, while keeping the metaphysis portion of the bones unique to the design of the bilateral diaphysis clamps126and136to lock in place on the facsimile knee joint113.

The model10provides for a method of performing anatomical and medial education-related activities which may include surgical training activities. The method may include securing one or both of the first and second holding assemblies56and74to the fixture100or other suitable equipment, such as a table. In the illustrated embodiments, the upper leg member22is coupled to the first holding assembly56by inserting the distal end of the mounting rod70thereof into the recess of the shaft assembly46and, optionally, securing the mounting rod70therein. The lower leg member30may optionally be coupled to the second holding assembly74by inserting the distal end of the mounting rod86thereof into the recess of the heel34of the foot32and, optionally, securing the mounting rod86therein. The distal and proximal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, respectively, are represented as inserted into and secured within the recesses26and36of the upper and lower leg members22and30, respectively. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second ligament members40and42are represented as disposed at and secured to lateral and medial sides of the distal and proximal ends of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, respectively.

The model10may be manually manipulated to adjust the position of the components thereof relative to one another. In examples in which the lower leg member30is not coupled to the second holding assembly74, the model10may be manipulated to articulate the first holding assembly56to any position within the full range of motion provided by the human hip joint and to articulate the first and second facsimile bone members12and14to any position within the full range of motion provided by the human knee joint. In examples in which the lower leg member30is coupled to the second holding assembly74, the model10may be manipulated to articulate the second holding assembly74to any position within the range of motion provided by rolling the human heel on a surface and to articulate the first holding assembly56to any position within the full range of motion provided by the human hip as limited by the limited movement of the lower leg member30due to the connection to the second holding assembly74. The method may include decoupling one or both of the first and second holding assemblies56and74from the fixture100prior to manipulating the model10to allow from a broader range of motion relative to the first and second holding assemblies56and74being secured to the fixture100. In such examples, manipulating the model10may include sliding one or both of the first and second holding assemblies56and74along the fixture100.

Once the components of the model10are located in desired relative positions, the components may be fixed in such positions with one or more locking mechanisms or fasteners. In some illustrated examples, the upper and lower leg members22and30are secured to the first and second holding assemblies56and74and fixed in relative articulatory positions in a manner such that the first and second facsimile bone members12and14are positioned at proper anatomical orientations for the purpose of performing the anatomical and medial education-related activities, such as but not limited to certain surgical orthopaedic procedures.

Once fixed in the desired orientation, the model10may be used to assist in performing the anatomical and medial education-related activities. This may include cutting one or both of the first and second facsimile bone members12and14, detaching and/or reattaching one or both of the first and second ligament members40and42, and/or securing one or more orthopaedic prostheses to the model10. If the method includes permanently modifying one or more of the components of the model10(e.g., the facsimile bone members12and14), the method may further include removing and replacing such components. As such, the model10provides the capability for repeatedly performing certain education-related activities without the necessity of replacing an entirety of the model10between such activities.

Alternative embodiments are contemplated in addition to the embodiments(s) shown and/or described herein. For example, one or more of the components of the model10may be altered or have different constructions than described herein to represent, reproduce, or mimic counterpart human tissue(s) that are damaged or otherwise abnormal due to injury, illness, birth defects, genetic disorder, etc. For example, the first and/or second facsimile bone members12and14may be configured to represent fractures, deterioration, or other conditions. The first and/or second ligament members40and42may be configured to represent ligament laxity, partial tear or rupture, or other conditions. Similarly, the range of motion provided by a joint of the model10may be adjusted to mimic a corresponding human joint that is capable of more or less than the full or normal range of motion of a corresponding healthy human joint in order to represent a damaged or abnormal human joint (e.g., ligament rupture, inflammation, etc.).

The model10and its components may be fabricated using various techniques and formed of various materials including those currently used in the anatomical model industry. Fabrication techniques may include but are not limited to computer numerical control (CNC) milling, laser milling, additive manufacturing, and manual sculpting. Suitable materials may include certain polymeric, metallic, ceramic, and composite materials having various structures and consistencies. Preferably, the materials used for facsimile components are configured to precisely reproduce the feel and/or interaction response of a corresponding human tissue. For example, a facsimile component may reproduce a human tissue response to a working instrument or diagnostic equipment such as a needle, scalpel, staple, ultrasound machine, x-ray machine, or other medical devices and systems. As a specific nonlimiting example, the first and second ligament members40and42may be formed of a silicone-based polymeric material.

FIGS.9through12represent another nonlimiting embodiment of an anatomical model110within the scope of the invention. In these figures, consistent reference numbers are used to identify functionally related elements, but with a numerical prefix (1) added to identify certain elements to assist in distinguishing the embodiment ofFIGS.9through12from the embodiments ofFIGS.1through8. For convenience, identical reference numerals are used inFIGS.9through11to denote elements of the holding assemblies56and74depicted inFIGS.1through8. In view of similarities between the embodiments ofFIGS.9through12andFIGS.1through8, the following discussion ofFIGS.9through12will focus primarily on aspects of this embodiment that differ from that ofFIGS.1through8in some notable or significant manner. Other aspects of the embodiment ofFIGS.9through12not discussed in any detail can be, in terms of structure, function, materials, etc., essentially as was described for the embodiment ofFIGS.1through8.

For purposes of illustration, the embodiment represented inFIGS.9through12omits the upper and lower leg members22and30shown inFIGS.1through3, though it should be understood that these components can be incorporated in the embodiment ofFIGS.9through12. InFIGS.9through12, a pair of rod assemblies146and147are coupled to, respectively, ball joint assemblies68and184of the first holding assemblies56and74. The rod assemblies146and147each comprise a rod148and149, whose lower ends couple to the first and second holding assemblies56and74and whose upper ends couple to the first and second facsimile bone members112and114, respectively. The rod assemblies146and147are represented as further including bilateral diaphysis clamp assemblies126and136in place of the recesses26and36of the upper and lower leg members22and30, respectively, depicted inFIGS.1through3. The bilateral diaphysis clamping assemblies126and136are disposed at the upper ends of the rods148and147, respectively, and each utilizes a “quick release” clamping mechanism126A and136A to collapse (contract) and expand (retract) a pair of clamping members126B and136B, respectively, relative to each other. In the particular but nonlimiting embodiment shown, the clamping mechanisms126A and136A are configured and operate similarly to what are commonly referred to as quick release skewers, such as those used to secure a wheel to a bicycle. By rotating a lever126C or136C associated therewith, the clamping assemblies126and136can be operated to collapse their respective clamping members126B and136B toward each other, thus capturing and compressing a portion of each of the first facsimile bone member112or the second facsimile bone member114therebetween and preventing the first and second facsimile bone members112and114from being removed either axially or transversely from their respective rods148and149. The levers126C and136C can also be rotated to expand their respective clamping members126B and136B away from each other, thus releasing the captured and compressed portions of the first and second facsimile bone members112and114therebetween and allowing the first and second facsimile bone members112and114to be removed both axially and transversely from their respective rods148and149. In each bilateral diaphysis clamping assembly126and136, the quick release hub mechanism126A constricts two opposing flat surfaces126B together with a cam-functionality, which compress against a squared cutout of the diaphysis portion of the femur side and tibial side of the facsimile bones112and114. Two teeth on each flat surface126B provide a secured brake to prevent the flexus knee bones from sliding out axially. This quick lock assembly can replace historically threaded knob screws, which may promote carpal tonal and alleviate other problems with knob screws.

FIG.9further represents the model110as comprising a talus rotator unit190that comprises a post186received in the ball joint assembly184of the second holding assembly74to enable the rod assembly147to anatomically position itself to the talus portion of the foot32. The ball joint assembly184is represented inFIG.9as mounted to a locking mechanism193disposed on a track192that enables flexion about the knee joint113. The locking mechanism193is represented as operated with a lever188to allow the talus rotator unit190to be positioned and locked in an essentially infinite number of positions over the length of the track192and within a desired range of the displacement of flexion.

As with previous embodiments of the invention, the first holding assembly56utilizes the ball joint assembly68to enable anatomically positioning of the rod assembly146over three moments of rotation and enable the rod assembly146to be fastened/locked statically by a lever72.

FIGS.13through24illustrate another nonlimiting embodiment of an anatomical model210within the scope of the invention. In these figures, consistent reference numbers are used to identify functionally related elements, but with a numerical prefix (2) added to identify certain elements to assist in distinguishing the embodiment ofFIGS.13through24from the embodiments ofFIGS.1through8and9through12. For convenience, identical reference numerals are used inFIGS.13through24to denote subcomponents of the holding assemblies256and274depicted inFIGS.9through12that are substantially similar to the previously described subcomponents inFIGS.9through12. In view of similarities between the embodiments ofFIGS.13through24andFIGS.1through12, the following discussion ofFIGS.13through24will focus primarily on aspects of this embodiment that differ from that ofFIGS.1through12in some notable or significant manner. Other aspects of the embodiment ofFIGS.13through24not discussed in any detail can be, in terms of structure, function, materials, etc., essentially as was described for the embodiment ofFIGS.1through12.

As best seen inFIGS.13-16, in this embodiment, the rod assemblies147and146, facsimile bone members114and112, and knee joint113are substantially the same as the corresponding components described in relation toFIGS.9-12, and a foot32similar to that shown inFIG.1is secured to the distal end of the rod assembly147, and thus the same reference numbers are used for corresponding components thereof and reference is made to the previous descriptions thereof without repeating the same here. The primary differences in the embodiment ofFIGS.13through24relate to the first holding assembly256, the second holding assembly274, the talus block assembly290, and the track192.

As best seen inFIGS.13through15, an assembly is coupled to the talus block assembly290. The assembly includes a fractal shaped boot291that acts as a cradle mechanism that is configured to secure the prosthetic foot32, for example, by a means of press fit. The boot291is located on the distal end of the assembly. The boot291couples to the mounting rod186of the talus block assembly290with any convenient permanent or releasable coupling assembly. While connected with the talus block assembly290, the assembly allows 90 degrees of flexion about the distal portions of the knee bones (facsimile bone members114and126). The prosthetic foot32is connected to the tibial rod assembly147, which serves to mimic the anatomy of the lower leg.

In this embodiment, a mounting assembly281allows the anatomical model210to be easily mounted to and/or adjusted on a support structure, such as a table and/or a surgical bed (not shown). The mounting assembly281is formed by the first holding assembly256and the second holding assembly274that are permanently mounted to opposite ends of the track292and allow positioning and mounting of the anatomical model210on the support structure. The first holding assembly256is permanently attached to the “femoral/hip cup assembly” end of the track292, and the second holding assembly274is permanently attached to the “talus block assembly” end of the track292. Handle bars287disposed on opposite ends of the track292allow ease of placement and removal of the mounting assembly281onto a table or surgical bed.

Each of the first and second holding assemblies256and274includes a mount body279that is attached to the track292and either of two mounting members, a rail clamp assembly283or a table clamp assembly285, that can be interchangeably attached to the mount body279to allow the holding assemblies256and274to be mounted to either a table edge (table clamp assembly285) or a rail (rail clamp assembly283). As best seen inFIG.18, the rail clamp assembly283includes a clamping mechanism for clamping to a rail slide mount on a surgical bed. A clamp screw275is configured to compress a pair of two opposing claws273to towards each other when the clamp screw275is tightened and to shift the pair of claws273away from each when the screw275is loosened. The claws273are generally similar to the rail clamps60and78. The anatomical model201can thus be releasably clamped onto a rail slide mount of a surgical bed with the claws273. The rail clamp assembly283is releasably attached to the mount body279by two screws277on each opposite side of the screw275. The screws277allow the rail clamp assembly283to be removed from mount body279in exchange for the table mount assembly285. The screws277also allow the rail clamp assembly283to be adjusted vertically relative to the mount body274to compensate for different surgical bed rails. As best seen inFIG.19, the table clamp assembly285is configured for mounting to the edge of regular tables. The table clamp assembly285includes an elevator bolt271and knob269that fasten down a flat plate (not visible) underneath a table by means of a screw motion. Thus, the elevator bolt271allows the anatomical model270to be releasably mounted to a regular table. The table mount assembly285is attached to the mounting body279by the same two screw277. In this configuration, the clamp screw275may be omitted because the table clamp assembly285does not include the claws273to be adjusted.

The talus block assembly290is slidably mounted on the track292extending between the first and second holding assemblies256and274such that it can slide along the track292between the first and second holding assemblies256and274. As best seen inFIG.20, the talus block assembly290includes a ball joint assembly84coupled to the facsimile surgical boot291that would be used in a real operating room scenario. The boot291anatomically positions itself to the talus portion of the foot32. The ball joint assembly is secured down to a slide block (“linear bearing track”)251that is slidably mounted to the track292. Sliding the slide block251axially along the length of the track292creates 90° of flexion about the distal sections of the facsimile bones112and114at the knee joint113. The ball joint assembly84can be made static by means of a clamp lock253that compresses two open sections of metal255aand255btogether that form the receiver portion of the ball joint assembly84, preventing motion of the ball of the ball joint assembly84. The slide block251has a rail lock257that engages the track292to releasably secure the talus block assembly290at a selected position along the track292and thus fix the knee joint113at a selected flexion angle within the range of the displacement of flexion. Thus, unlike the previous embodiments, in this embodiment, the talus block assembly290is movable along the track292separately from the holding assemblies256and274, thereby allowing the flexion of the knee joint113to be adjusted independently without adjusting the mounting mechanism to the support structure.

The first holding assembly256includes a femoral/hip cup assembly configured to mimic an actual femur/hip joint, such as that shown for example inFIG.23. The femoral/hip cup assembly is formed by a rotation member266generally similar to the ball joint assembly66in the embodiment ofFIGS.9through12. The rotation member includes a ball joint assembly68that anatomically positions itself to the proximal portion of the femoral head and pelvic cup of the femur/hip joint. The ball joint assembly68allows three moments of rotation and can be fastened/locked statically with a quick release hub259that clamps the ball in the socket, for example, with a camming action. The rotation member266is disposed at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the track292and the mount body279in order to more closely mimic the anatomical configuration of the pelvic socket and rotation of the human hip as shown inFIG.23. The rod148in the rod assembly146is bent at an angle near the ball joint assembly68to also more closely mimic the geometry of the hip joint and the anatomical flexion and positioning of the human femur.

As previously noted above, though the foregoing detailed description describes certain aspects of one or more particular embodiments of the invention, alternatives could be adopted by one skilled in the art. For example, the models10,110, and210and their components could differ in appearance and construction from the embodiments described herein and shown in the figures, functions of certain components of the models10,110, and210could be performed by components of different construction but capable of a similar (though not necessarily equivalent) function, and various materials could be used in the fabrication of the models10,110, and210and/or their components. As such, and again as was previously noted, it should be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to any embodiment described herein or illustrated in the drawings.