Combined Intramedullary Extramedullary Bone Stabilization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for bunion and hallux valgus corrections face challenges in accurately addressing multi-planar and rotational deformities, leading to high patient dissatisfaction due to imprecise alignment and fixation of bone pieces during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A combined intramedullary and extramedullary stabilization and alignment system that uses a cannulated implant device with a K-wire guide for precise alignment, allowing for post-attachment micro-adjustments to position the metatarsal head laterally and rotationally, enhancing the surgeon's ability to achieve precise alignment and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional extramedullary fixation devices are used, then surgical procedure is simpler, but alignment precision and rotational control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines intramedullary and extramedullary fixation systems into a single integrated device. The intramedullary portion provides precise alignment and rotational control through guide wires and blocking members, while the extramedullary portion provides stable fixation through plates and screws. This merging allows the device to achieve high alignment precision without requiring multiple separate surgical steps or devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide wires as intermediary elements that extend from the extramedullary portion through the intramedullary canal. These guide wires serve as mediators that transmit alignment information and enable precise positioning of bone fragments. The blocking members act as intermediaries that prevent rotation around the guide wires, thereby achieving rotational control.
2Strength
If intramedullary fixation alone is used, then alignment precision is improved, but fixation stability and load bearing capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both intramedullary and extramedullary fixation by integrating them into a single device. The intramedullary portion provides precise alignment and rotational control, while the extramedullary portion provides enhanced fixation stability and load-bearing capacity through plates and screws. This combination allows the device to achieve both high strength and precision without requiring separate surgical procedures.
3Productivity
If multiple separate fixation devices are used, then fixation stability is improved, but surgical time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixation functions into a single integrated device that can be implanted in one surgical procedure. The device includes both intramedullary and extramedullary components that work together to provide alignment, rotational control, and stable fixation. This eliminates the need for multiple separate surgical steps and devices, thereby improving surgical efficiency while maintaining high fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preliminary alignment and rotational control to be established through the intramedullary guide wires and blocking members before final fixation is applied through the extramedullary plates and screws. This preliminary action ensures that the bone fragments are correctly positioned and oriented before permanent fixation, thereby improving both surgical efficiency and fixation reliability.
4Reliability
If conventional alignment methods are used, then surgical procedure is simpler, but postoperative complications and patient dissatisfaction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical alignment methods with a more sophisticated system that uses guide wires, blocking members, and integrated fixation components. This system provides superior control over alignment and rotational positioning, thereby improving surgical outcome reliability. The increased device complexity is justified by the significant improvement in clinical outcomes and reduction in postoperative complications.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a combined intramedullary and extramedullary bone stabilization and alignment system, which includes both methods and apparatuses for the alignment and stabilization of a first bone or piece of bone to a second bone or piece of bone. Embodiments of the system may include an implant device which has an elongated framework within the intramedullary portion and an extramedullary portion which are cannulated. The cannulated aspect of the framework includes a wire aperture through both the intramedullary portion and the extramedullary portion.