Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion With Multi-Plane Bone Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hallux rigidus and hallux valgus conditions cause significant joint pain and reduced range of motion in the metatarsophalangeal joint, leading to altered gait mechanics and decreased quality of life, with existing treatments failing to effectively realign and fuse the metatarsal and phalanx bones for anatomical alignment.
Innovation Solution
A surgical technique involving the separation and realignment of the metatarsal and phalanx bones in multiple planes, followed by preparation of their end faces for fusion, using bone positioning devices or manual manipulation to achieve anatomically accurate positioning and fixation with screws or pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual realignment techniques are used, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but the realignment consistency and precision are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bone positioner as an intermediary device between the metatarsal and reference bone. This device includes a first bone engagement member that couples to the metatarsal and a second bone engagement member that couples to a reference bone, enabling precise and consistent realignment while maintaining procedural simplicity through the mediating instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an instrumented bone positioner system that provides controlled mechanical advantage. The bone positioner translates small adjustments at the reference bone into precise realignment movements of the metatarsal, substituting imprecise manual techniques with a mechanical system designed for consistency
2Ease of operation
If bone separation is performed to provide working space, then the joint can be accessed for preparation, but the stability of the bone structure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bone positioner serves as a stabilizing intermediary that spans across the separated joint. By engaging both the metatarsal and reference bone, it provides a rigid bridge that maintains overall structural stability while allowing the joint to remain separated for surgical preparation and realignment procedures
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple bones are realigned in multiple planes, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone positioner is designed as a universal device that can realign bones in multiple planes (frontal, transverse, and sagittal planes) through a single instrument. The first and second bone engagement members can be positioned and adjusted to achieve corrections in any plane, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments and reducing overall procedural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a metatarsophalangeal joint for fusion may involve surgically accessing the metatarsophalangeal joint and separating the metatarsal from the opposed proximal phalanx at the joint. The technique may involve preparing an end of the metatarsal and preparing an end of the opposed proximal phalanx for fusion. With or without the aid of a bone positioner, the metatarsal may be moved in one or more planes, such as the frontal and transverse planes. The proximal phalanx may also be moved in one or more planes, for example relative to the moved metatarsal. Subsequently, a bone fixation device can be applied across or through the metatarsophalangeal joint separating the metatarsal from the opposed proximal phalanx.