Metatarsal Wedge Realignment for Metatarsus Adductus Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metatarsus adductus and hallux valgus deformities in the foot, characterized by medial deviation of metatarsals and lateral deviation of the hallux, often require surgical intervention to realign bones and improve patient comfort and mobility, but existing methods lack effective techniques for precise bone realignment.
Innovation Solution
Surgical techniques involving access to the second and third tarsometatarsal joints for precise bone cutting and realignment, using guides and instruments to create wedge-shaped openings, allowing metatarsals to be rotated and pivoted in various planes to correct angular misalignment, with optional fixation to maintain the new position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical intervention is performed to realign metatarsals, then patient comfort and mobility are improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing bone preparation and creating wedge-shaped openings before the actual realignment procedure. The cutting guides are positioned and prepared in advance, and the wedge-shaped bone portions are removed beforehand to facilitate the subsequent rotation and realignment of metatarsals, making the surgical procedure more systematic and controllable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cutting guides as intermediary tools to achieve precise bone realignment. These guides serve as mediators between the surgeon's intent and the actual bone cutting/realignment process, providing accurate positioning and angle control for creating wedge-shaped openings and facilitating controlled metatarsal rotation without requiring complex direct manipulation
2Manufacturing precision
If precise bone cutting and realignment techniques are used, then manufacturing precision of bone alignment is improved, but the difficulty of the surgical operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cutting guides are used as intermediary devices to achieve precise bone realignment. These guides provide predetermined angles and positions for cutting, ensuring accurate creation of wedge-shaped openings and controlled rotation of metatarsals, thereby improving manufacturing precision while simplifying the surgical operation through tool-assisted precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating wedge-shaped openings with specific angles and dimensions that enable controlled rotation of metatarsals. By removing bone portions at predetermined angles and creating gaps of specific sizes, the procedure transforms the complex task of precise bone realignment into a series of controlled parameter adjustments that are easier to execute with desired precision
Data Source
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.