Cannulated Bone Implant Fixation for Hammertoe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical treatments for hammertoe deformity, such as those using Kirschner wires and implants, face challenges in securely fixing the implant and preventing migration or rotation, which can lead to complications like pain and further deformity.

Innovation Solution

A cannulated bone implant with a threaded proximal portion, a finned distal portion, and a transition portion with a bend is designed to securely anchor into the bone, featuring a central passage for a surgical wire and a finned configuration to prevent migration and rotation, allowing for effective bone integration and healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a Kirschner wire and implant are used for hammertoe surgery, then the implant can be placed to correct the deformity, but the implant may migrate or rotate leading to complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant fixation stabilityVSAvoidmigration and rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is divided into distinct functional segments: a proximal portion with threads for secure anchoring, a distal portion with fins for preventing migration and rotation, and a transition portion connecting them. Each segment addresses specific fixation challenges, with threads providing rotational stability and fins preventing translational migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The implant features an asymmetric configuration where the proximal portion has a different cross-sectional shape than the distal portion. The threads are positioned at the proximal end while fins are located at the distal end, creating an asymmetric design that specifically addresses migration and rotation risks in the hammertoe correction context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If the implant is designed with threads for secure fixation, then the implant can be firmly anchored, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant merges multiple fixation mechanisms into a single integrated component. The threaded proximal portion and finned distal portion are combined in one piece, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements and reducing surgical complexity while maintaining strong anchorage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single implant component performs multiple functions: the threaded portion provides rotational anchorage, the finned portion prevents migration, and the transition portion provides structural continuity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving comprehensive fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230149178A1Cannulated bone implant and methods of use

Publication Date: 2023.05.18 GENSANO LLC

AI summary

Various methods for surgically inserting cannulated implants are disclosed.