Intramedullary Fixation Assembly for Charcot Foot Arch Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic implant devices, such as intramedullary nails and plates, fail to effectively restore the arch in Charcot foot due to limitations in fixation and alignment, leading to complications like wound infections and deformity, particularly in the mid-foot region.
Innovation Solution
An intramedullary fixation assembly comprising a proximal member with an elongated portion and a tapered bulbous end, and a distal member with an internal tapered aperture, forming a fixed angle for coupling, is used in conjunction with a method involving incisions, reaming, and guide wire placement to reconstruct the arch by compressing joints and aligning bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional orthopedic implant devices (screws, intramedullary nails, plates) are used for fixation in Charcot foot, then bone fixation and fusion are achieved, but the arch cannot be restored and wound complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal member, distal member, and intermediate member that can be independently positioned and fixed at different angles. This segmentation allows restoration of the foot arch geometry while providing stable bone fixation, reducing the need for extensive soft tissue dissection and minimizing wound complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angular adjustment capability in multiple dimensions, allowing the fixation members to be positioned at specific angles relative to each other. This multi-dimensional positioning enables reconstruction of the foot arch while maintaining secure bone fixation, avoiding the need for exposed plates and screws that increase wound tension.
2Reliability
If manual bone alignment and screw fixation are performed, then bone fixation is achieved, but arch restoration is not possible and bone purchase is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device incorporates adjustable angular connections between proximal, intermediate, and distal members, allowing dynamic adjustment of the fixation geometry during surgery. This enables precise restoration of the foot arch while maintaining reliable bone fixation through optimized angular positioning of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the fixation device by introducing adjustable angles between members. The proximal member can be positioned at a first angle relative to the intermediate member, and the distal member at a second angle relative to the intermediate member, allowing precise control over arch restoration while maintaining fixation stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If plates with exposed screws are used for fixation, then bone alignment is achieved, but tissue tension increases and wound closure becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation members are designed to be inserted through the medullary canal of the bones, nesting the fixation structure within the bone itself rather than placing plates on the bone surface. This internal placement eliminates exposed hardware that would increase tissue tension and complicate wound closure, while still providing precise bone alignment and fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation system, including an intramedullary fixation assembly and an instrument for coupling the intramedullary fixation assembly to bones. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, a distal member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, where the proximal screw member is slideably coupled to the distal member and makes a fixed angle with the distal member.