Bunion Correction Apparatus for Stable Metatarsal Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical methods for correcting hallux valgus deformities, such as the Lapidus procedure, face challenges in efficiently realigning the first metatarsal and great toe to reduce or eliminate the deformity, particularly in maintaining the stability and alignment of the joint post-surgery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongated member, a first arm member, a second arm member, and a rotation guide, with a locking mechanism, allows for precise manipulation and stabilization of the metatarsals through translational and rotational movements, using a k-wire to facilitate the realignment and fixation of the bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Lapidus procedure is used to realign and fuse the first tarsal-metatarsal joint, then the first metatarsal can be straightened to reduce hallux valgus deformity, but the surgical complexity increases and postoperative stability is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the correction function into separate components: the elongated member provides the correction force, the first arm member engages the first metatarsal, the second arm member engages the second metatarsal, and the rotation guide enables controlled rotational adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall surgical procedure while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the rotation guide, which allows the first arm member to be rotated relative to the elongated member about a longitudinal axis. This dynamic feature enables real-time adjustment of the correction angle during surgery, allowing the surgeon to optimize the alignment and maintain stability without complex fusion procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If the first metatarsal is realigned through surgical intervention, then the intermetatarsal angle can be corrected, but maintaining the corrected position and alignment post-surgery becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary alignment and stabilization actions during the surgical procedure itself. The elongated member, when engaged with both the first and second metatarsals, pre-positions the bones in the desired alignment before final fixation. The rotation guide allows preliminary rotational adjustment to achieve precise intermetatarsal angle correction, ensuring both alignment precision and position stability are achieved during surgery rather than relying solely on postoperative maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation guide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the elongated correction member and the first metatarsal. It mediates the transfer of corrective force while enabling controlled rotational movement, allowing the surgeon to achieve and maintain precise alignment by adjusting the orientation of the first arm member relative to the elongated member during the procedure
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for correcting bunion deformity includes an elongated member, a first arm member extending from a first end to a second end, a second arm member, and a rotation guide. The first arm member has an arm axis and is coupled to the first end of the elongated member so that the arm axis extends in an orthogonal direction from the elongated member. The second arm member includes an attachment portion configured to translatably engage the elongated member and an extension extending in the same orthogonal direction as the first arm member. The rotation guide is coupled to the first arm member such that the rotation guide is configured to rotate with respect to the first arm member about a rotation axis, the rotation guide defining a bore having a longitudinal axis.