Offset Intramedullary Implant for Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical methods for correcting hallux valgus deformity often result in visible scarring and require invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An implant system with an intramedullary portion and an extramedullary portion, connected by a unitary body, is used to attach bone sections, allowing for minimally-invasive correction of hallux valgus deformity, utilizing a target guide for precise alignment and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct hallux valgus, then the deformity can be corrected, but visible scarring and invasive procedures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two functional segments: an intramedullary portion that inserts into the bone canal and an extramedullary portion that extends outside the bone. This segmentation allows the intramedullary portion to provide internal structural support and alignment without requiring external incisions, thereby correcting the deformity while avoiding visible scarring.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant acts as an intermediary device between the proximal and distal bone sections. It includes a fixation element that engages with the bone sections and a target guide mechanism that provides precise alignment during insertion. This intermediary structure enables minimally invasive correction by mediating the realignment process without requiring extensive soft tissue disruption.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct hallux valgus, then the deformity can be corrected, but invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The intramedullary portion is designed to be inserted nested within the medullary canal of the bone. The target guide is inserted through a small incision and guided into the medullary canal, with the implant portions nesting around it. This nested configuration enables minimally invasive surgery by utilizing the existing bone canal space rather than requiring external bone exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional open surgical mechanics with a guided insertion system. The target guide includes a guidance element that provides mechanical guidance during insertion, substituting the need for extensive surgical exposure and manual alignment with a precision-guided insertion mechanism that minimizes tissue disruption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive correction is used, then scarring is reduced, but surgical precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The target guide includes a guidance element that provides real-time feedback during insertion. The guidance element is designed to engage with specific bone landmarks and provide tactile feedback to the surgeon, ensuring precise alignment is achieved even through minimal incisions. This feedback mechanism maintains surgical precision while minimizing tissue disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The target guide is pre-configured with alignment features and guidance elements that are positioned before insertion. The guide includes pre-formed channels and alignment references that are established in advance, allowing the surgeon to achieve precise implant positioning through minimal incisions without requiring complex real-time alignment procedures.
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.