Conical Threaded Subtalar Implant for Pes Valgo Planus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subtalar implants for correcting pes valgo planus often cause pain due to pressure points and may not adequately secure within the sinus tarsi, leading to displacement and inadequate mobility correction.
Innovation Solution
A conical, threaded medical implant designed to fit snugly within the sinus tarsi, featuring a tapered body and strategically designed threads to reduce pain and enhance security, while slots increase elasticity for better force dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional subtalar implants are used to correct pes valgo planus, then the implant provides structural support to limit joint motion, but the implant causes pain due to pressure points and may not adequately secure within the sinus tarsi
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features a conical shape with varying diameter along its length, creating different local contact areas. The broader base provides larger contact area with the sinus tarsi walls for secure anchoring, while the tapered portion provides point contact for limiting talus displacement, thus distributing pressure to eliminate pain points while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The implant employs an asymmetric conical geometry rather than a symmetric cylindrical shape. This asymmetric form allows differential pressure distribution - broader contact at the base for stability and narrower contact at the apex for precise mechanical constraint, resolving the contradiction between secure anchoring and pain prevention
2Reliability
If conventional cylindrical implants are used, then the implant provides simple geometric fit, but the implant does not fit snugly within the tapered sinus tarsi leading to displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a constant-diameter cylindrical shape to a variable-diameter conical shape. This parameter change in geometry allows the implant to match the tapered dimensions of the sinus tarsi, providing snug fit and stability without requiring complex multi-component structures
3Reliability
If sharp threads are used to secure the implant, then the implant achieves adequate anchoring within the sinus tarsi, but the threads cause pain to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The threads are designed with non-uniform geometry - deeper and sharper at the base for strong anchoring in the denser bone, and shallower and blunter toward the apex for minimal soft tissue irritation. This local variation in thread quality provides reliable anchoring while reducing pain
Solution Approach 2:
The threads engage only the lower portion of the sinus tarsi where bone density is highest, providing sufficient anchoring strength without the need for full-length thread engagement. This partial engagement reduces the cumulative pain effect while maintaining adequate security
Data Source
AI summary
A medical implant includes a body having a conical portion and adapted for implantation into a person's body. A plurality of threads formed around an exterior surface of the conical portion of the body are adapted to help secure the implant in place within the person's body.