Angled Ankle Arthrodesis Nail for Stable Bone Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arthrodesis devices for ankle joints lack stability and fail to adequately hold bone bodies, leading to potential faulty osteosynthesis and insufficient bone fusion.
Innovation Solution
An ankle arthrodesis device with a nail design featuring a proximal and distal portion angled relative to each other, equipped with oblong fastening orifices and fastening means, allowing secure fixation and compression of the talus, calcaneus, and tibia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional arthrodesis nail is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the nail lacks stability and provides insufficient holding of bone bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The nail is divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion that are secant (intersecting at an angle) rather than collinear. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function: the proximal portion provides anchorage in the tibia while the distal portion provides anchorage in the calcaneus, creating a stable configuration that prevents rotation and improves holding of bone bodies without requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The nail transitions from a simple linear structure to a three-dimensional configuration with secant portions. The proximal and distal portions intersect at an angle, creating a spatial arrangement that engages multiple bone bodies (tibia, talus, calcaneus) simultaneously. This dimensional change provides inherent stability and prevents unwanted movements while maintaining a single integrated component
2Manufacturing precision
If compression of bone bodies is performed manually, then the procedure is simple, but the compression effectiveness and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A compression device acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone bodies. This external compression device applies precise compressive forces to bring the bone bodies (tibia, talus, calcaneus) into close contact during the arthrodesis procedure. The device provides controlled and measurable compression that manual pressure cannot achieve, ensuring proper alignment and contact for successful bone fusion
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device allows precise control and adjustment of compression parameters (force magnitude, direction, and duration). By changing these parameters in a controlled manner, the device achieves optimal compression of the bone bodies to promote healing while avoiding excessive force that could damage the structures. This parameter control provides precision that manual compression cannot deliver
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ankle arthrodesis device comprising a pin (1) intended to be implanted in a tibia (Ti), a talus (Ta) and a calcaneus (Ca), the pin (1) comprising a proximal portion (2) extending along a first direction (A-A′), and a distal portion (4) extending along a second direction (B-B′) that intersects the first direction (A-A′), the distal portion (4) being provided with a first oblong attachment opening along the second direction (B-B′), the device comprising a first compressive attachment means (9A), of the compression screw type (9A), the pin (1) being designed and configured such that, when it is implanted with its distal portion (4) oriented toward the back of the ankle, the first attachment opening is arranged to receive and guide the first attachment means (9A) along a first attachment direction (F1-F1′) extending along said talus (Ta) and calcaneus (Ca) to attach the nail to the talus (Ta) and to the calcaneus (Ca).