Adjustable Alignment Guide for Bone Fusion Trajectories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current guides and systems for foot and ankle fusion surgeries have fixed trajectories for fastener insertion, limiting surgeons' ability to adjust based on individual patient anatomy, which can lead to suboptimal results.

Innovation Solution

A fusion system comprising a first and second alignment guide coupled to an implant, allowing for adjustable fastener insertion trajectories, including a method for using these guides to stabilize bone realignment by inserting fixation wires and compression fasteners across joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed trajectories for fastener insertion are used, then the surgical procedure is simplified and faster, but the adaptability to individual patient anatomy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure speedVSAvoidadjustment to patient anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment guide employs adjustable components that allow the trajectory of fastener insertion to be dynamically modified during surgery. The guide can be repositioned and reconfigured to match individual patient anatomy while maintaining a systematic approach to the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment guide is divided into multiple adjustable segments and components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each part of the guide to be customized for the patient's specific anatomy while keeping the overall surgical workflow efficient and organized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable fastener insertion trajectories are implemented, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to patient anatomyVSAvoidalignment guide structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment guide is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various patient anatomies through standardized adjustment mechanisms. The same basic device structure can be configured for different surgical scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized guides while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide incorporates dynamic adjustment features that allow surgeons to modify trajectories during surgery without requiring complex pre-planning or multiple specialized guides. This dynamic capability provides adaptability while keeping the device structure relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240215994A1Implant, alignment guides, system and methods of use

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 PARAGON 28 INC

AI summary

Bone fusion system, devices, guides, implant and methods for using the bone fusion system, devices, guides and implant are disclosed. The fusion system includes a first alignment guide, a second alignment guide, and an implant. The first alignment guide couples to an intermediate portion of the implant and the second alignment guide couples to a distal portion of the implant. The implant includes a body portion, a first extension portion extending away from a first end of the body portion, a second extension portion extending away from a posterior of the body portion, and a third extension portion extending away from a distal end of the body portion. Finally, methods for using the bone fusion system, devices, guide and implant are disclosed.