Digital Strapping System for Toe Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting toe positioning post-surgery fail to adequately address soft tissue imbalances, leading to complications such as floating toe and reoccurrence of hallux valgus, due to lack of effective tools for manual stretching and exercise post-operatively.
Innovation Solution
A digital strapping system comprising a hallux control strap system and an osteotomy strap system, which include configurable strap configurations and anchoring mechanisms to provide controlled abduction, exercise, and splinting of the toes, utilizing a calibrated mid-foot compression strap and adjustable strap members to align and stabilize the foot properly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stretching by patient or physical therapist is used for digit range of motion, then some movement is achieved, but the method is cumbersome, requires patient discipline, and has high non-compliance rate
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system enables patients to perform digit stretching independently without requiring physical therapist assistance or significant patient discipline. The mechanical design provides automatic positioning and stretching forces through the strap configuration, making the rehabilitation process self-service oriented and significantly improving compliance rates
2Ease of manufacture
If no post-operative strap system is used, then the surgical procedure is simple, but soft tissue heals in unnatural positions leading to complications like floating toe and hallux rigidus
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is applied immediately post-operatively to establish correct soft tissue positioning before healing begins. By pre-positioning the straps to maintain anatomically correct alignment during the critical healing period, the system prevents scar tissue formation in non-anatomical positions and eliminates complications before they can develop
3Manufacturing precision
If corrective toe surgery is performed to realign skeletal structure, then bone alignment is improved, but surrounding soft tissue heals in unnatural positions due to malaligned skeletal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system applies localized forces and positioning to specific soft tissue structures surrounding the corrected bone. Each strap is configured to target specific tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules, providing individualized positioning for each soft tissue element rather than general immobilization, thereby ensuring anatomically correct healing of each structure
4Device complexity
If left alone without post-operative intervention, then no additional treatment is needed, but scar tissue forms in non-anatomical position leading to complications and longer rehabilitation time
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system provides continuous mechanical feedback to maintain soft tissue in correct positioning throughout the healing process. The adjustable and reconfigurable design allows for progressive modification of strap tension and configuration as healing progresses, providing appropriate stimulation and positioning at each stage of rehabilitation to prevent complications and minimize total recovery time
Data Source
AI summary
A digital strapping system comprising an alternatively configurable hallux strap system for positioning and exercising a hallux of a foot, and/or an alternatively configurable osteotomy strap system for positioning and exercising a second and/or third digit of a foot.