Non-Circular Needle Driver for MTP Joint Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability, such as non-operative measures and selective corticosteroid injections, fail to permanently correct the deformity and often lead to worsening of the pathology.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for soft tissue repair, involving the use of a driver with a non-circular needle opening and a strand retriever with deployable snares, to pass a flexible strand through a tissue section and secure it to a bone, thereby stabilizing the MTP joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-operative treatment measures are used, then pain may be temporarily relieved, but the deformity is not permanently corrected and symptoms may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plantar plate graft as an intermediary biological structure to restore the damaged plantar plate function. The graft serves as a mediator between the metatarsal head and proximal phalanx, providing structural support and stability that permanent correction requires, while non-operative measures alone cannot achieve this structural restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical procedure performs preliminary actions by first creating precise bone tunnels through the metatarsal head and proximal phalanx before inserting the graft. This preliminary bone preparation ensures proper alignment and fixation pathways are established in advance, enabling permanent correction rather than temporary symptom relief
2Object-affected harmful factors
If selective corticosteroid injections are administered, then symptoms may be masked, but the pathology may worsen due to masking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of symptom masking into benefit by addressing the underlying structural pathology directly through graft insertion. Instead of allowing pathology to progress under masked symptoms, the surgical intervention uses the temporary symptom relief period as an opportunity to perform definitive structural correction, transforming the risk of delayed treatment into a planned corrective action
3Ease of operation
If a needle with circular opening is used, then insertion is simple, but the needle may rotate during insertion affecting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric, non-circular needle opening and corresponding needle shaft design. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement of the needle during insertion by providing a unique orientation fit between the needle and its receiving opening, thereby ensuring precise positioning and orientation of the bone tunnels without compromising ease of insertion
4Device complexity
If a simple strand passing method is used, then the procedure is less complex, but secure fixation of soft tissue to bone is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the plantar plate graft is inserted through and secured within bone tunnels that are themselves positioned within the bone structure. The graft is nested within the bone tunnels, creating a hierarchical fixation system that provides strong anchorage of soft tissue to bone through multiple levels of structural integration rather than simple surface attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes passing a first flexible strand through a tissue section by a first needle coupled to a driver. The driver includes a longitudinal body defining an opening at a distal end. The first needle is positioned in the opening. A first hole is formed through a bone. The first flexible strand is passed through the first hole using a strand retriever. The strand retriever includes a body having a first longitudinal tube extending therefrom and a first snare slideably deployable from the first longitudinal tube. The first longitudinal tube is positioned from a first side of the bone in the first hole and the first snare is deployed on a second side of the bone. The first snare passes the first flexible strand through the first hole in the bone. The tissue section is secured to the bone using the first flexible strand.