Correcting device suitable for ingrown nail treatment of different toe types

Abstract

The invention discloses a correction device suitable for ingrown nail treatment of different toe types. The correction device comprises an elastic fixing gasket and an elastic traction mechanism. The two ends of the elastic traction mechanism are of hook-shaped structures and used for hooking the edges, embedded into the skin, of the two sides of the deck. The elastic traction mechanism is connected with the elastic fixing gasket in a sliding mode and can move in the length direction of the elastic fixing gasket. After the two ends of the elastic traction mechanism are fixed to the edges of the two sides of the deck, the position between the elastic traction mechanism and the elastic fixing gasket can be relatively adjusted, it is guaranteed that the elastic fixing gasket can be located at the highest point of the armor face all the time, and correction core elasticity can be provided through the elastic fixing gasket; the central point is kept at the highest point of the toenail surface, stress on two sides of the toenail can be adjusted by the aid of lever acting force, and unreasonable stress on the toenail is avoided. Therefore, the device can accurately adapt to various conditions, the correction effect and the comfort degree are improved, the ingrown nail correction scene of most toe types is covered, and a personalized scheme is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of surgical technology and relates to a medical device that intervenes in toenail growth through biomechanical means, specifically a corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types. Background Technology

[0002] Of all nail diseases, ingrown toenails are one of the most common. Essentially, it's an abnormal growth direction of the toenail—excessive bending of the toenail causes the nail plate edge to embed into the soft tissue of the nail groove, leading to pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. It commonly occurs on the big toe and its fibular side edge, but can also affect other toes and any edge of the toenail.

[0003] Currently, clinical treatments for ingrown toenails are mainly divided into three categories:

[0004] (1) Conservative treatment: Relieve symptoms with non-invasive methods, including local treatments such as cotton packing, silver nitrate application, and iodine disinfection. This method only acts on the soft tissue inflammation of the nail groove and does not interfere with the nail growth mechanism. It is only suitable for mild ingrown toenails and cannot correct the fundamental problem of curved nail growth. Symptoms are prone to recurrence.

[0005] (2) Physical correction: Applying traction force to the toenail through external instruments or tools to correct the abnormal growth direction is a common method for mild to moderate ingrown toenails. Currently, it mainly includes tape traction, metal splints, and Ω-ring correction devices.

[0006] (3) Surgical treatment: including nail removal, nail groove shaping, etc., which change the growth space of toenails by destroying the nail bed or nail groove tissue. Although it can solve the problem of ingrown toenails in the short term, the recovery period after surgery is long, and wound infection is easy to occur. Moreover, after the integrity of the nail bed is damaged, some patients have irregular toenail regeneration and even secondary ingrown toenails.

[0007] Prior art 1 (CN109381288B) discloses a scheme for adjustable traction force using a connecting rope and a tension adjustment device; however, due to the lack of a matching structure for the ingrown toenail plate, it is prone to displacement in cases of curved toes. Prior art 2 (CN211911927U) relies on a tension adjustment component formed by bending a tightened metal wire, which generates an upward pull on both sides of the toenail through an elastic adhesive piece, pulling back and correcting the toenail embedded in the nail grooves on both sides. However, it lacks force indicators, and the adhesion strength between the elastic component and the toenail is easily affected by external interference. Prior art 3 (CN215651870U) adopts an integrated design, but the pad has no deformation capability and cannot provide sufficient downward elastic force for the toenail. Furthermore, it is prone to edge lifting in patients with wide toes. Existing technology 4 (CN219323562U) applies different tensions to the toenail by adjusting the length of the elastic steel wire and uses a silicone sleeve to protect the steel wire interface. However, this solution has no pad design, so it cannot provide downward elastic force to the toenail, nor can it flexibly adjust the force on both sides.

[0008] In summary, existing technologies rely on physical traction as their core principle, but they depend on manual adjustment of force, lack quantitative standards, and doctors and patients cannot know the real-time force applied to the nail groove during use. This can easily lead to pain or affect the effectiveness due to improper force, and the operation is cumbersome. The fixing components (ingrown toenail tips, patches, pads, etc.) are mostly of fixed shape and hardness, making it difficult to adapt to different toe shapes such as wide toes, narrow toes, and curved toes. Furthermore, the specifications are limited, failing to provide personalized solutions based on the degree of ingrown toe or nail thickness. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a corrective device that can accurately adapt to multiple toe shapes, provide standardized traction, and protect the toenail surface. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes an orthopedic device for treating ingrown toenails that is suitable for different toe types. It focuses on standardized tension, multi-toe type adaptation, and personalized solutions. Through quantitative tension, highly elastic components, and multi-specification combinations, it ensures precise application of corrective force, adapts to different toe type characteristics, and matches individual correction needs, thereby improving the orthopedic effect and patient experience from a practical usage perspective.

[0010] A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types includes an elastic fixation pad and an elastic traction mechanism. The elastic traction mechanism has hook-like structures at both ends for hooking the edges of the nail plate embedded in the skin. The elastic traction mechanism is slidably connected to the elastic fixation pad and can move along the length of the elastic fixation pad.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic traction mechanism and the elastic fixing pad are made of elastic metal material.

[0012] Preferably, the elastic traction mechanism includes two elastic hooks and an elastic ring. Each elastic hook includes an ingrown toenail hook, a fixing hook, and a connecting section between the two. The ingrown toenail hook is used to hook up the edges of both sides of the toenail, and the fixing hook is used to fit the elastic ring, connecting the two elastic hooks.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic fixing pad includes a central connecting section and first and second downward pressing side wings symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central connecting section. The central connecting section is higher than the downward pressing side wings and is connected to the downward pressing side wings by a ramp section. The ramp section and the central connecting section are provided with through holes for the elastic traction mechanism to pass through the through holes, so that the elastic fixing pad and the elastic traction mechanism form a sliding connection.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic fixing pad includes a central pressing portion and first and second pressing side wings symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central pressing portion. The central pressing portion and the pressing side wings are on the same horizontal plane. First and second protrusions are respectively provided between the first and second pressing side wings and the central pressing portion. A through hole is provided on each protrusion, and the elastic traction mechanism passes through both the first and second protrusions, forming a sliding connection between the elastic fixing pad and the elastic traction mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, the corrective device for treating ingrown toenails includes multiple pairs of elastic hooks of different lengths and multiple elastic fixing pads of different lengths.

[0016] Preferably, the length of the elastic hook connecting section is 5-20 mm. The projected length of the elastic fixing pad is 5-15 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the corrective device for treating ingrown toenails includes a plurality of elastic fixing pads with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the corrective device for treating ingrown toenails includes elastic bands made of different polymer materials.

[0019] Preferably, the corrective device for treating ingrown toenails also includes a buffer pad disposed below the elastic fixing pad.

[0020] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. Personalization: The length of the elastic traction mechanism and the length and thickness of the elastic fixing pad can be selected, so as to create a personalized solution according to the size and thickness of the toenail.

[0022] 2. Standardization: The tension provided by the elastic band can be quantified, thereby eliminating the interference of human operation, which is conducive to standardization and can provide deterministic feedback, rather than relying entirely on the user's subjective feelings.

[0023] 3. Flexibility: The elastic traction mechanism and the elastic fixing pad form a sliding connection, allowing for relative adjustment of their positions after the ends of the elastic traction mechanism are fixed to the edges of the nail plate. This ensures the elastic fixing pad remains at the highest point of the nail surface. The elastic fixing pad not only provides core corrective force through its elasticity, but also uses leverage to adjust the force on both sides of the toenail, preventing uneven stress. Furthermore, as the toenail shape changes during treatment, the position of the elastic fixing pad can be flexibly adjusted at any time.

[0024] 4. Achieving corrective effect through multiple forms of force synergy: The elastic traction mechanism hanging on the edge of the toenail provides tension across the entire nail plate; the lever force provided by the elastic fixing pads allows for a reasonable distribution of tension on both sides of the nail plate, while also providing core elasticity for correction, improving ingrown toenails; the downward-pressing wings at both ends allow the core elasticity of the elastic fixing pads to be evenly distributed on the nail surface; after being tightened at the highest point of the toenail surface, a continuous centripetal force is formed, enhancing the stability of correction; when the user walks, the "protrusion" contacts the top of the shoe and applies pressure to the correction device, thereby activating the elastic function of the correction device and achieving dynamic correction during walking.

[0025] In summary, through structural innovation in the corrective device, the significant shortcomings of existing corrective devices in terms of adaptability, human intervention interference, and flexibility have been systematically addressed. These design improvements enable the corrective device to more effectively meet the correction needs of different patients with ingrown toenails, significantly improving the targetedness and effectiveness of the correction. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the corrective device for treating ingrown toenails in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic hook in Example 1.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic fixing pad in Example 1.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a comparison of the toenail condition before and after wearing the corrective device for ingrown toenail treatment in Test Example 1.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a comparison of the toenail condition before and after wearing the corrective device for ingrown toenail treatment in Test Example 2.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a comparison of the toenail condition before and after wearing the corrective device for ingrown toenail treatment in Test Example 3.

[0032] Figure 7 Comparison of toenail condition before and after wearing the orthopedic device for ingrown toenail treatment in clinical patient test case 4.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the corrective device for treating ingrown toenails in Example 2.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic fixing pad in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings;

[0036] A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types includes an elastic fixation pad and an elastic traction mechanism. The elastic traction mechanism has hook-like structures at both ends for hooking the edges of the nail plate embedded in the skin. The elastic traction mechanism is slidably connected to the elastic fixation pad and can move along the length of the elastic fixation pad.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] This embodiment provides, as follows: Figure 1 The device shown is an orthopedic device for treating ingrown toenails of different toe types, including an elastic fixing pad 1 and an elastic traction mechanism consisting of a pair of elastic hooks 2 and an elastic ring 3, as well as a buffer pad 4 disposed below the elastic fixing pad 1.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the elastic pull hook 2 is made of 301 stainless steel wire, 304 stainless steel wire, 316 stainless steel wire, or nickel-titanium alloy wire, and includes an inlay pull hook 21, a fixing pull hook 23, and a connecting section 22 disposed between the two. The length of the connecting section is 5~20mm, and the inlay pull hook 21 is used to hook the edges of both sides of the toenail.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the elastic fixing pad 1 is made of high-elasticity metal material such as 301 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, spring steel, titanium alloy, or aluminum alloy, with a thickness of 0.1~0.5mm. The elastic fixing pad 1 includes a central connecting section 15 and first and second downward pressing side wings 16 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central connecting section. The central connecting section 15 is higher than the downward pressing side wings 16 and is connected to the downward pressing side wings 16 by a ramp section. The orthographic projection length of the elastic fixing pad is 5~15mm. A first through hole 17 is provided on the central connecting section, and a second through hole 18 is provided on the ramp sections on both sides. The fixing hook 23 of the elastic pull hook 2 is inserted from above the downward pressing side wings into the second through hole 18 on the ramp section, and then out through the first through hole 17 on the central connecting section. Finally, the elastic ring is fitted onto the fixing hooks of the two elastic pull hooks, connecting the two elastic pull hooks to form a complete elastic traction mechanism, thereby making the elastic fixing pad 1 and the elastic traction mechanism slide together.

[0041] The elastic ring 3 is made of polymer materials such as nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane or ethylene propylene rubber, and can be designed into a continuous chain shape for easier storage and use.

[0042] The buffer pad 4 is fixed below the elastic fixing pad 1 with medical pressure-sensitive adhesives such as silicone gel, oil glue, and hot melt adhesive. It is made of heat-bonded cloth, spunlace cloth, or silk cloth, and provides protection for the toenail surface below the elastic fixing pad 1.

[0043] When using the ingrown toenail correction device, first select an elastic fixing pad 1 of appropriate length and thickness, and an elastic hook 2 of appropriate length. Pass the two elastic hooks 2 through the through holes in the elastic fixing pad 1. Then, select an elastic ring 3 and fit it onto the two fixing hooks 23, connecting the two elastic hooks 2 so that the elastic hooks 2 and the elastic fixing pad 1 are slidably connected. Next, fit the ends of the ingrown toenail hooks 21 of the two elastic hooks 2 onto both sides of the toenail, adjusting the position of the elastic fixing pad 1 so that the midpoint of the central connecting section 15 is located at the highest point of the toenail protrusion. Finally, based on the changes in the appearance of the toenail and the patient's comfort, increase the number of elastic rings 3 fitted onto the fixing hooks 23 or replace them with elastic rings 3 made of other materials.

[0044] The design incorporates elastic hooks 2 and elastic retaining pads 1 of varying lengths, creating a personalized component library. During use, the combination of elastic hooks 2 and elastic retaining pads 1 can be flexibly selected according to specific needs, accommodating toenails of different sizes. Furthermore, both the elastic hooks 2 and elastic retaining pads 1 are made of elastic material, providing force while also possessing a certain degree of deformation capability. Their relative positions can be adjusted to accommodate multi-toed nails, providing a more rationally distributed force. The material and number of elastic bands correspond to fixed tensile force values, allowing for the creation of a standardized gauge to provide a reference for force adjustment during use.

[0045] In this embodiment, elastic hooks of 6.0mm, 10.0mm, and 14.0mm lengths were prepared using 304 stainless steel wire and nickel-titanium alloy wire. The shortest and longest toenail lengths that could be accommodated when combined with an elastic fixing pad of 14mm length were measured, as shown in Table 1.

[0046] Table 1

[0047]

[0048] In this embodiment, elastic fixing pads with a length of 14 mm and thicknesses of 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively, were prepared using 301 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel. Their elasticity was tested, and the results are shown in Table 2.

[0049] Table 2

[0050]

[0051] In this embodiment, elastic rings with an inner diameter of 1 mm were prepared using nitrile rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, and ethylene propylene rubber. The tensile strength of elastic rings made of different materials at a stretch length of 5 mm and at the maximum stretch length when worn were tested. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0052] Table 3

[0053]

[0054] Test Example 1

[0055] For three different toenail lengths, 304 stainless steel wire elastic hooks with lengths of 6.0mm, 10.0mm, and 14.0mm were selected respectively, and combined with 301 stainless steel elastic fixing pads with a thickness of 0.15mm and nitrile rubber elastic rings to form a corrective device for ingrown toenail treatment. Figure 4 The images show the shape of the toenail before and immediately after wearing the corrective device for ingrown toenails. Different lengths of elastic hooks can be selected to accommodate toenails of varying lengths. The toenail width is significantly increased after wearing the device, demonstrating a noticeable corrective effect.

[0056] Test Example 2

[0057] For two types of toenails of the same length but different degrees of curvature, a corrective device for ingrown toenail treatment is constructed by combining a 10.0mm long 304 stainless steel wire elastic hook, a 0.30mm thick 304 stainless steel wire elastic fixing pad, and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastic ring. Figure 5 The images show the shape of the toenail before and immediately after wearing the corrective device for ingrown toenails. The toenail width is significantly wider before and after wearing, indicating a clear corrective effect. It can be seen that both the elastic fixing pad and the elastic hook have a certain deformation capacity, and can perfectly fit toenails with different degrees of curvature.

[0058] Test Example 3

[0059] For asymmetrical curved toenails, a corrective device for ingrown toenail treatment is constructed by combining a 10.0mm long nickel-titanium alloy wire elastic hook, a 0.15mm thick 316 stainless steel elastic fixing pad, and a silicone rubber elastic ring. Figure 6 The images show the toenail shape before and immediately after wearing the corrective device for ingrown toenails. After the ingrown toenail hook is inserted into the side of the toenail, the position of the elastic fixing pad can be adjusted so that the midpoint of the central pressing part is located at the highest point of the toenail's curvature. This leverage force adjusts the force on both sides of the toenail, preventing unreasonable force distribution, and its elasticity provides core corrective force. Before and after wearing the device, the toenail width is significantly increased, the corrective effect is obvious, and the asymmetry is significantly reduced.

[0060] Test Example 4

[0061] Figure 7The changes in toenail morphology of two clinical patients before, immediately after, one month after, and two months after wearing the described ingrown toenail correction device were recorded. Before wearing, both patients had very severe ingrown toenails; immediately after wearing, the ingrown toenails were alleviated, and the toenail curvature significantly increased; after one month of wearing, the ingrown toenails were significantly reduced, and the toenail width significantly increased; after two months of wearing, the ingrown toenails almost disappeared, and the toenail condition remained good. During the wearing process, the position of the elastic fixing pad could be adjusted according to the changes in the patient's toenail morphology, resulting in a better fit, greater comfort, and a more reasonable force distribution. This demonstrates that with periodic wear, the patient's ingrown toenails will be significantly reduced, and the toenail condition will be restored to a normal state.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] This embodiment provides, as follows: Figure 8 The present invention is a corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types. Based on Example 1, the shape of the elastic fixing pad 1 has been further improved.

[0064] like Figure 9 As shown, the elastic fixing pad includes a central pressing part 11 and first and second pressing side wings 12 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central pressing part. First and second protrusions 13 are respectively provided between the first and second pressing side wings 12 and the central pressing part 11. A through hole 14 is provided on the protrusion 13, allowing the fixing hook 23 to pass through the through hole 14 from the direction of the pressing side wings 12 and extend above the central pressing part 11. An elastic ring is then fitted onto the fixing hooks of the two elastic hooks, connecting the two elastic hooks to form a complete elastic traction mechanism. This allows the elastic fixing pad 1 to slide against the elastic traction mechanism. After the ingrown toenail hook 21 hooks onto the edges of both sides of the toenail, the relative position between the elastic fixing pad 1 and the nail surface can be adjusted. The design of the central pressing part 11 allows the elastic fixing pad to fit more closely to the nail surface and to better integrate with the cushioning pad.

Claims

1. A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types, characterized in that: It includes an elastic fixing pad (1) and an elastic traction mechanism; the elastic traction mechanism is slidably connected to the elastic fixing pad (1) and can move along the length direction of the elastic fixing pad (1); the two ends of the elastic traction mechanism are configured as hook-shaped structures.

2. The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic traction mechanism includes two elastic hooks (2) and an elastic ring (3); the elastic hook (2) includes an ingrown nail hook (21), a fixed hook (23) and a connecting section (22) between the two; the ingrown nail hook (21) is used to hook up the edges on both sides of the toenail, and the fixed hook (23) is used to fit the elastic ring (3) so that the two elastic hooks (2) are connected.

3. The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic fixing pad (1) includes a central connecting section (15) and first and second downward pressing side wings symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central connecting section; the central connecting section (15) is higher than the downward pressing side wings (16) and is connected to the downward pressing side wings (16) through a ramp section; the ramp section and the central connecting section are provided with through holes, and the elastic traction mechanism passes through the through holes, so that the elastic fixing pad (1) and the elastic traction mechanism form a sliding connection.

4. The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic fixing pad (1) includes a central pressing part (11) and first and second pressing side wings symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central pressing part; the central pressing part (11) and the pressing side wings (12) are on the same horizontal plane; the first and second pressing side wings and the central pressing part are respectively provided with first and second protrusions; the protrusions (13) are provided with through holes (14), and the elastic traction mechanism passes through the through holes (14) from the direction of the pressing side wings (12), so that the elastic fixing pad (1) and the elastic traction mechanism form a sliding connection.

5. A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The elastic traction mechanism and the elastic fixing pad (1) are made of elastic metal material.

6. A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails includes multiple pairs of elastic hooks (2) of different lengths and multiple elastic fixing pads (1) of different lengths.

7. The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The length of the connecting section of the elastic hook (2) is 5~20mm.

8. The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The thickness of the elastic fixing pad (1) is 0.1~0.5mm, and the projected length is 5~15mm.

9. A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails includes elastic rings (3) made of different polymer materials.

10. A corrective device for treating ingrown toenails suitable for different toe types as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The corrective device for treating ingrown toenails also includes a buffer pad (4) disposed below the elastic fixing pad (1).

Images