Offset Bone Implant for Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical methods for correcting hallux valgus deformities often result in visible scarring and require invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A unitary implant system comprising an intramedullary portion and an extramedullary portion, with oblique and offset fastener apertures, is used to attach bone sections, accompanied by a target guide for minimally-invasive surgery, allowing precise alignment and fixation of bone segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional surgical methods are used to correct hallux valgus, then bone realignment can be achieved, but visible scarring occurs and bone alignment precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone alignment precisionVSAvoidvisible scarring

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is divided into two functional segments: an intramedullary portion for precise internal bone alignment and an extramedullary portion for external bone section attachment. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while minimizing overall surgical trauma and scarring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The implant acts as an intermediary device between the proximal and distal bone sections, providing precise alignment and attachment without requiring extensive soft tissue dissection. The obliquely oriented fastener apertures in the intramedullary portion serve as intermediaries for internal fixation, while the extramedullary portion provides external stabilization with minimal surface incisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional surgical methods are used, then bone sections can be attached, but the procedure is highly invasive with significant scarring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone section attachment reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The implant system segments the attachment function into two parts: internal attachment through the intramedullary portion with oblique fastener apertures and external attachment through the extramedullary portion. This dual-segment approach distributes the attachment load and reduces the need for large incisions, thereby reducing surgical invasiveness while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener apertures in the intramedullary portion are oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis, introducing a dimensional component that allows internal fixation without requiring direct access through the skin. This oblique orientation enables the fasteners to engage bone sections from an internal angle, reducing external incision size and surgical invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If minimally invasive methods are used, then scarring is reduced, but bone alignment precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescarringVSAvoidbone alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional external mechanical alignment tools with an internalized implant system. The intramedullary portion with its obliquely oriented fastener apertures provides internal mechanical alignment, eliminating the need for extensive external fixation devices and large incisions. This substitution achieves precise bone alignment through internal structures rather than external mechanical means, thereby reducing scarring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The implant serves as an intermediary that bridges the proximal and distal bone sections with precision. The intramedullary portion acts as an internal mediator for alignment, while the extramedullary portion serves as an external mediator for stabilization. This intermediary function allows minimally invasive access while maintaining high alignment precision through the internal-external coordination of the implant components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12611236B2Implant with intramedullary portion and offset extramedullary portion

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

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.