Lesser Metatarsal Cut Guides for Precise Tarsometatarsal Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility in addressing metatarsus adductus (MTA) and hallux valgus deformities of the foot, often requiring complex and invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of specialized surgical devices and techniques for realigning and fusing bones in the foot, particularly focusing on lesser metatarsals and tarsometatarsal joints, using cut guides and compressor-distractors to facilitate precise bone preparation and alignment, while preserving connective tissues for improved surgical outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional surgical instruments and techniques are used for treating metatarsus adductus and hallux valgus, then surgical procedures can be performed, but efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized surgical instruments including cut guides and compressor-distractor devices as intermediaries between the surgeon and the bone structures. These instruments provide precise control over bone cutting angles, compression forces, and distraction movements, thereby improving both surgical efficiency and alignment accuracy without requiring complex invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-configured surgical instruments with predetermined cutting angles and compression parameters. The cut guides are designed with specific angular orientations to achieve desired bone realignment before surgery, and compressor-distractor devices are pre-set with appropriate force parameters, enabling efficient and accurate treatment while minimizing intraoperative decision-making complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If complex and invasive surgical procedures are used to address foot deformities, then bone realignment can be achieved, but tissue damage and scarring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surgical procedure into distinct modular steps using specialized instruments: bone exposure, precise cutting with guided angles, controlled compression, and gradual distraction. Each step is performed with dedicated instruments that minimize collateral tissue damage, allowing accurate bone realignment while preserving surrounding soft tissues and reducing overall surgical trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes during surgery, specifically applying gradual compression and distraction forces through the compressor-distractor device. By incrementally adjusting mechanical parameters rather than applying sudden forces, the procedure achieves precise bone realignment while minimizing tissue damage and promoting controlled healing
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of surgical procedures may be performed on the bones of the foot, such as on one or more lesser metatarsals of the foot positioned laterally of the first metatarsal. For example, a surgical procedure may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform and/or cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform. The tarsometatarsal joints defined be one or both sets of bones may be cut to treat an arthritic joint, metatarsus adductus, and/or other clinical condition. In any case, various surgical instruments can be utilized during a procedure to help increase the accuracy and repeatability of the procedure patient-to-patient, improving overall patient outcomes. For example, one or more cut guides, compressor-distractor devices, and/or other instruments designed to accommodate the specific anatomical conditions of the procedure being performed may be utilized during procedure.