Flexible Bone Growth Coupling for Rotational Deformity Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic devices are inadequate for treating rotational bone deformities and limb length discrepancies, often requiring invasive procedures with high complication rates and limited anatomical flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A bicortical post assembly with flexible coupling assemblies and telescopic posts that can be adjusted to conform to bone geometry, allowing for minimally invasive treatment of rotational deformities and limb length discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If osteotomy procedure is performed to correct rotational deformities, then bone realignment is achieved, but the procedure becomes substantially invasive with large incisions and muscle disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the bone correction function into two parts: (1) a growth modulation component that gradually alters bone growth direction, and (2) a separate guidance mechanism that directs the bone toward correct alignment. This segmentation allows minimally invasive implantation while achieving precise rotational deformity correction through gradual growth modification rather than acute surgical realignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by modulating bone growth before complete deformity development occurs. By interfering with growth plate function early in the correction process, the bone gradually realigns itself through controlled growth asymmetry, avoiding the need for later invasive osteotomy procedures to correct established deformities.
2Manufacturing precision
If osteotomy procedure is performed to correct rotational deformities, then bone realignment is achieved, but rehabilitation period becomes long and painful lasting several months
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action by utilizing the bone's natural growth cycles to achieve correction. Instead of acute realignment followed by prolonged healing, the device continuously modulates growth plate function over time, allowing gradual correction through repeated growth cycles. This transforms a single long rehabilitation period into multiple shorter growth phases, reducing overall recovery time and pain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current devices are used for guided growth, then angular deformities can be addressed, but rotational bone deformities cannot be treated
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves universality by incorporating multiple functional components: (1) a growth modulation element that can address both angular and rotational deformities, and (2) a guidance mechanism that adapts to different deformity types. This multi-functional design allows a single device to treat various bone deformities including rotational deformities, which previous guided growth devices could not address, thereby improving both adaptability and treatment effectiveness.
4Manufacturing precision
If osteotomy procedure is performed to correct rotational deformities, then bone realignment is achieved, but risk of infection and delayed union increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical osteotomy system (surgical cutting and realignment) with a biological growth modulation system. Instead of mechanically cutting and repositioning bone segments with associated infection and healing risks, the device uses controlled interference with growth plate function to guide gradual bone realignment through natural growth processes, significantly reducing complication rates while maintaining correction precision.
5Manufacturing precision
If invasive procedure is used to perform rotational bone deformity correction, then correction can be achieved, but device complexity and surgical skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the complex realignment function from the surgical procedure itself and transfers it to the implanted growth modulation mechanism. The surgical procedure becomes simpler (only requiring minimally invasive implantation), while the device assumes the complexity of achieving precise rotational deformity correction through its internal growth modulation and guidance mechanisms, thereby reducing both surgical complexity and skill requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventions relate to a system and method for altering growth of bones. More precisely, the system is an orthopedic apparatus for correcting rotational deformities and limb length discrepancies. A system of cable-couplings with linking members is used, the linking members being posts or screws traversing bones. Due to the flexibility and adaptability of the system and its components, the cable-coupling members may be installed at varying angles and locations while allowing for growth arrest or rotational corrections of said bones. A method to limit growth using cable-couplings systems is also provided.