Calcaneal Prosthesis With Integral IM Nail for Aligned Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current arthrodesis procedures for treating diseased or injured ankle and subtalar joints, such as Charcot disease, face challenges in achieving secure fixation while preserving surrounding soft tissue, often requiring multiple surgical steps and potential alignment errors.

Innovation Solution

A calcaneal prosthesis system with a body having a dorsal, plantar, anterior, and posterior surface, featuring a pre-formed hole for receiving an intramedullary nail, and a single-piece calcaneal prosthesis with an integral IM nail, both designed for precise alignment and fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional arthrodesis procedures are used with separate IM nail installation, then fixation can be achieved, but multiple surgical steps and alignment errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidnumber of surgical steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis integrates the IM nail directly into its structure, merging two separate components (prosthesis body and IM nail) into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate installation steps, reduces alignment errors between components, and simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IM nail is pre-positioned and integrated into the prosthesis body during manufacturing, rather than being installed separately during surgery. This preliminary action ensures precise alignment is achieved during fabrication rather than requiring complex alignment procedures during the surgical implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional arthrodesis procedures are used, then fixation can be achieved, but surrounding soft tissue may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidsoft tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is designed with distinct functional zones including articulating surfaces for the talus and cuboid, a body portion for IM nail integration, and a tuberosity for soft tissue attachment. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining soft tissue attachments while providing secure fixation through the integrated IM nail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a pre-formed hole is added to the prosthesis body, then IM nail reception is enabled, but the single-piece structure is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIM nail installationVSAvoidunitary structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The IM nail is merged with the prosthesis body through direct integration during manufacturing. The hole for receiving the IM nail is formed as part of the single-piece construction process, ensuring the hole boundaries are precisely defined and the overall unitary structure maintains its integrity without requiring separate assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250288426A1Calcaneal prosthesis and method of forming the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A calcaneal prosthesis system includes a body having a dorsal surface, a plantar surface, an anterior surface, and a posterior end. The posterior end has a tuberosity. The anterior surface has at least a concavity or convexity shaped for receiving a cuboid bone or mid-foot bone. The dorsal surface includes a convex or concave surface for engaging a talus bone or distal tibia. An integrally formed intramedullary (IM) nail extends from the dorsal surface.