Asymmetrical Osteotomy Wedge with Textured Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anatomic osteotomy wedges for medial cuneiform bones lack optimal surface geometry and material properties to securely engage and align the bone without causing irritation to surrounding soft tissues, particularly in triangular cross-section implants used to correct foot deformities like flat footedness.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical osteotomy wedge with a continuous, smooth perimeter featuring a concave plantar-lateral surface and textured fore and hind surfaces with pyramid-shaped projections, made from porous titanium-based metal, along with a threaded dorsal opening at a non-perpendicular angle, facilitates secure bone engagement and alignment while minimizing tissue irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a triangular cross-section implant with symmetrical geometry is used, then the implant can be manufactured with simple geometry, but the implant cannot securely engage the bone and may cause irritation to surrounding soft tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the implant geometry from a symmetrical triangular cross-section to an asymmetrical shape with a concave plantar-lateral surface. This asymmetrical configuration allows the implant to conform to the natural contours of the medial cuneiform bone, providing secure engagement while avoiding irritation to surrounding soft tissues. The concave surface specifically is designed to match the bone's anatomy, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and reliable bone engagement.
2Ease of manufacture
If a smooth surface implant is used, then the implant is easy to manufacture, but the implant cannot securely engage with the bone tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the surface characteristics of different implant surfaces. The plantar-lateral surface is made smooth and concave to conform to bone contours and avoid soft tissue irritation, while the fore and hind surfaces are provided with textures (such as pyramid-shaped projections) to enhance bone engagement. This localized variation in surface quality resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and secure bone engagement.
3Ease of manufacture
If a threaded opening with perpendicular axis is used, then the opening is easy to manufacture, but the opening cannot provide optimal alignment for correcting foot deformities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the threaded opening's geometric parameters - specifically, the central axis of the threaded opening is angled at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the dorsal surface plane. This angular parameter change allows the opening to accommodate screws that provide optimal alignment for correcting foot deformities while still being manufacturable using standard angular drilling techniques. The angled configuration resolves the contradiction between manufacturing ease and alignment precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the ease of implantation and stability of the osteotomy wedge, reduces irritation by conforming to the bone's contours, and allows for precise alignment of the medial cuneiform bone, effectively correcting foot deformities with improved surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the body is made of a porous metal
Implementation Method 2
made from porous titanium-based metal
Implementation Method 3
the fore surface and the hind surface each having a texture configured to engage bone
Implementation Method 4
the texture includes a plurality of pyramid-shaped projections
Data Source
AI summary
An osteotomy wedge according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an asymmetrical body that includes a perimeter established by a continuous, smooth surface. Further, the perimeter includes a concave surface.