Osteotomy Fragment Shifter With Intramedullary Hook Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical technologies face challenges in achieving controlled lateral translation and reproducible targeting of osteotomy fragments during minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus deformity correction, often requiring manual hand tools and lacking precise screw trajectory guidance.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism involving an intramedullary hook, skin-interfacing wedges, and screw mechanisms, along with a targeting arm, to facilitate controlled lateralization and stabilization of osteotomy fragments, allowing for precise screw placement without manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand tools are used to hold bones in place during lateral translation, then manual control is achieved, but the bones may shift relative to one another due to applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized surgical instrument with intramedullary nails, guide pins, and locking mechanisms that act as an intermediary between the surgeon and the bone fragments. This device provides stable, force-free holding of bone fragments during lateral translation, eliminating the problem of bone shifting caused by manual hand tool forces while maintaining precise control.
2Reliability
If traditional K-wires are used to hold the metatarsal head at the intended translated position, then fixation is achieved, but achieving the desired K-wire trajectory is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs guide pins and targeting mechanisms that are positioned and configured before the final screw fixation. These preliminary guiding elements establish the correct trajectory for screw insertion, making it easier to achieve the desired trajectory without the difficulty associated with traditional K-wire placement. The guide pins create pre-defined pathways that guide subsequent fixation elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation is used for lateral translation of osteotomy fragments, then flexibility is maintained, but controlled and reproducible translation is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a dynamic system with adjustable components including intramedullary nails that can be positioned at different depths, guide pins that can be adjusted to various angles, and locking mechanisms that can be engaged at different stages. This dynamic apparatus allows for controlled, reproducible lateral translation while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different surgical scenarios and patient anatomies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables controlled and reproducible lateral translation and targeting of osteotomy fragments, ensuring accurate alignment and fixation of bone fragments during minimally invasive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a screw mechanism to change the relative position of these two components
Implementation Method 2
an intramedullary hook in the proximal fragment
Implementation Method 3
a skin-interfacing wedge located against a capital fragment
Implementation Method 4
a first lateral force is generated between the first skin-interfacing portion against a second bone fragment
Data Source
AI summary
A system, includes a first screw mechanism including: a first block; a first screw threaded through the first block and including a first skin-interfacing portion; and an intramedullary (IM) member extending from and attached to the first block and including an end portion configured to be inserted into an intramedullary canal of a first bone fragment, wherein a first lateral force is generated between the first skin-interfacing portion against a second bone fragment, adjacent to the first bone fragment, and a holding force provided by the end portion when the first screw is rotated and the end portion is located in the intramedullary canal.