Metatarsal Realignment Guides for Wedge Osteotomy Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical interventions for metatarsus adductus and hallux valgus deformities often require precise realignment of multiple bones in the foot, which can be challenging due to the complexity of the deformities and the need for accurate bone cutting and repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving surgical access to the second and third tarsometatarsal joints for precise bone cutting and realignment, using bone cutting guides and templates to create wedge-shaped openings, allowing metatarsals to be rotated and realigned in various planes, with or without preserving connective tissue, and fixed in place using provisional and permanent fixation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple bones are realigned through surgical intervention, then patient comfort and mobility are improved, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide is divided into multiple independent components: a body portion with multiple guide surfaces for different bones, separate positioning features for each tarsometatarsal joint, and modular fixation elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, simplifying the overall surgical procedure while maintaining the ability to realign multiple bones simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical guide acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bones being realigned. It provides pre-defined cutting guides, positioning references, and alignment features that mediate the complex task of multi-bone realignment, transforming a highly complex surgical procedure into a more manageable process with standardized steps
2Manufacturing precision
If precise bone cutting and repositioning is performed, then angular deformities are corrected, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide incorporates pre-established cutting surfaces, positioning features, and alignment references that are manufactured with high precision before surgery. These preliminary preparations include pre-defined wedge angles, pre-positioned guide holes, and pre-calibrated measurement markers, which eliminate the need for complex intraoperative measurements and calculations, thereby reducing both manufacturing and measurement precision requirements during the actual surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical guide replaces complex mechanical measurement and calculation systems with pre-fabricated geometric references and physical guides. Instead of requiring surgeons to perform complex angular measurements and calculations during surgery, the guide provides physical cutting surfaces and positioning features that inherently encode the required precision, substituting mechanical complexity with pre-manufactured geometric accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A metatarsus adductus technique may involve cutting an end of one or both of a second metatarsal and an intermediate cuneiform to create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the second metatarsal and the intermediate cuneiform. The method may further involve cutting an end of one or both of a third metatarsal and a lateral cuneiform to also create a wedge-shaped opening between the end of the third metatarsal and the lateral cuneiform. The second metatarsal and the third metatarsal can then be moved in a transverse plane to close a metatarsus adductus angle. Movement of the second and third metatarsal may close the wedge-shaped openings forming during bone cutting. With the second and third metatarsals appropriately realigned, the clinician can fixate the moved position of the second metatarsal and the third metatarsal.