Bone Sliver Removal Tool for Tarsometatarsal Joint Resection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical methods for correcting bunions face challenges in efficiently removing anatomical material from the tarsometatarsal joint during resection procedures, which complicates the repositioning and alignment of the metatarsal bone.

Innovation Solution

A bone removal tool with an insertion member and a paddle member is used to sever and pinch bone material within the joint, allowing for the removal of bone slivers, while wires are inserted to align and fix the bones in a corrected configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If resection of the tarsometatarsal joint is performed to correct bunion, then alignment between metatarsal and proximal phalanx is improved, but anatomical material remains difficult to remove from the joint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidbone material removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bone removal tool segments the bone sliver into manageable portions by inserting the paddle member and insertion member into the joint space, allowing incremental removal of anatomical material rather than attempting to remove it as a single piece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The paddle member and insertion member act as intermediary tools that facilitate the removal of bone material by providing mechanical leverage and access to the confined joint space, making the removal process easier and more controlled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If resection creates anatomical material for joint clearance, then repositioning and alignment capability is improved, but the complexity of the procedure increases due to difficulty in removing the material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bone removal tool employs dynamic insertion and advancement of the paddle member and insertion member to adapt to the varying geometry of the joint space and bone sliver, simplifying the removal process through motion rather than complex static mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool approaches the bone material removal problem from a different dimensional perspective by accessing the joint space through the insertion member and applying force from within the joint, rather than attempting to remove material from external approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12408965B2Bone sliver removal system

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 CROSSROADS EXTREMITY SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A surgical tool and related methods are provided for removal of a bone sliver from a resected joint. The tool can include a housing including an upper end, a lower end, and a channel extending from the upper end to the lower end. A paddle member extends from the lower end of the housing. The paddle member includes a paddle shaft and a paddle head. The surgical tool further includes an insertion member that has a handle end, an extension that extends from the handle end, and a cutting tip. The extension is translatable within the channel such that the handle end and the cutting tip can move relative to the housing between a retracted position and an advanced position.