Elastic Syndesmosis Reduction Wrap for Clamp-Free Ankle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing syndesmotic injuries, such as those involving the distal fibula and tibia, often result in malreduction due to improper clamp force vectors, leading to long-term ankle problems.
Innovation Solution
A wrap made of elastic material with an intermediate open window or slot allows for circumferential wrapping around the leg and foot, providing a uniform reduction vector and direct access for incisions and hardware placement, eliminating the need for clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large metal clamp is used to reduce syndesmotic injury, then reduction force can be applied to the fibula, but the clamp force vector is highly sensitive to positioning errors leading to malreduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using an elastic wrap instead of a rigid metal clamp. The elastic material distributes the reduction force uniformly across the fibula and surrounding structures, eliminating the point-contact sensitivity to positioning errors that plagues rigid clamps. The elastic nature allows the wrap to conform to the anatomical structures while maintaining consistent reduction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional point-contact force application (metal clamp) to a two-dimensional distributed force application (elastic wrap). This dimensional change allows the reduction force to be applied across a broader area, reducing sensitivity to precise positioning and improving reduction accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a metal clamp spans the ankle for reduction, then the fibula can be pushed back into position, but the device complexity increases and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic wrap replaces the complex rigid clamp structure with a simple flexible bandage-like device. This dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining reduction capability through the elastic material's ability to apply distributed compressive force when wrapped around the ankle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable elastic wrap instead of a reusable metal clamp. This single-use approach simplifies the device design, eliminates the need for sterilization and maintenance of complex metallic structures, and reduces the risk of cross-contamination while achieving the same reduction effect.
3Productivity
If traditional clamping method is used, then reduction can be attempted, but malreduction rate is nearly 50% due to improper force vector
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic wrap provides inherent self-alignment and distributes force uniformly, eliminating the 15-degree sensitivity threshold that causes malreduction with rigid clamps. The flexible material conforms to the anatomy and automatically positions itself to apply force along the correct vector, achieving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic wrap is self-positioning and self-adjusting. When wrapped around the ankle, it automatically conforms to the anatomical structures and distributes the reduction force evenly, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning by the surgeon and reducing malreduction rates.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates a more precise and stable reduction of syndesmotic injuries, allowing for faster and safer surgical procedures with minimal assistance, maintaining the reduction until definitive fixation is applied.
Implementation Method 1
The reduction is facilitated by circumferentially wrapping the wrap from a leg to a foot or vice versa in a compressive fashion by securing the first end by wrapping and stretching the wrap to the second end. The wrap is configured to achieve a reduction of an injured ankle and is facilitated by the elastic nature of the ankle wrap by an elastic stretching of the elastic material.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved syndesmosis reduction device has a wrap of elastic material extending a length L from a first end to a second end with an open window or slot positioned in an intermediate portion of the wrap spaced from the ends. The wrap is configured to achieve a reduction of an injured ankle and is facilitated by the elastic nature of the ankle wrap. The reduction is facilitated by circumferentially wrapping the wrap from a leg to a foot or vice versa in a compressive fashion by securing the first end by wrapping and stretching the wrap to the second end. The window or slot is to permit an incision at the ankle for hardware placement without the need to remove the wrap and without loss of the reduction achieved.