Offset Bone Implant Structure for Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity often results in visible scarring and requires invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A minimally-invasive implant system comprising a unitary body with an intramedullary portion and an extramedullary portion, featuring oblique fastener apertures and offset longitudinal axes, is used to attach bone sections, guided by a target system for precise alignment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct hallux valgus deformity, then bone realignment and deformity correction are achieved, but visible scarring and increased invasiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two functional segments: an intramedullary portion that inserts into the bone canal for internal fixation, and an extramedullary portion that extends outside the bone for external fixation. This segmentation allows the device to provide stable bone alignment while minimizing soft tissue disruption and scarring by distributing the fixation function across both internal and external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary portion is designed to be inserted into the medullary canal of the bone, effectively nesting one component within another. This nested configuration enables the implant to achieve internal stabilization without requiring extensive external incisions, thereby reducing visible scarring while maintaining precise bone realignment capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct hallux valgus deformity, then deformity correction is achieved, but surgical invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the implant into intramedullary and extramedullary portions with distinct fixation functions, the surgical procedure can be simplified. The intramedullary portion provides internal stabilization through minimal invasive insertion, while the extramedullary portion offers external support, reducing the need for complex multi-step procedures and extensive soft tissue manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design integrates multiple functions into a single device: the intramedullary portion provides internal fixation and alignment, while the extramedullary portion provides external stabilization and serves as an anchor point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate surgical components and procedures, thereby simplifying the overall surgical approach while maintaining precise bone realignment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimal invasive approach is used, then scarring is reduced, but bone fixation reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into intramedullary and extramedullary portions ensures that bone fixation reliability is maintained through dual-component stabilization. The intramedullary portion engages with the bone canal for internal fixation, while the extramedullary portion provides external anchoring, creating a redundant fixation system that enhances reliability without requiring extensive soft tissue disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration where the intramedullary portion is inserted into the bone canal provides internal stabilization, while the extramedullary portion extends externally for additional fixation. This nested design ensures that bone fixation reliability is maintained through internal and external support simultaneously, avoiding the need for extensive external incisions and reducing scarring.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant comprises a unitary body including an intramedullary portion connected to an extramedullary portion. The unitary body is configured to attach a first bone section to a second bone section. The intramedullary portion has a first longitudinal axis, and is configured for insertion into the first bone section. The intramedullary portion includes at least one first fastener aperture having an aperture axis oriented obliquely relative to the first longitudinal axis. The extramedullary portion is configured to abut a surface of the second bone section and includes at least one second fastener aperture disposed to transversely receive a bone fastener inserted in the second bone section. The extramedullary portion has a second longitudinal axis offset from, the first longitudinal axis.