Osteotomy Fragment Shifter Assembly for Precise Lateralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 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 to control lateralization of bone fragments, combined with a targeting arm for precise wire placement, ensuring controlled bone alignment and stabilization without manual tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual hand tools are used to hold bones in place during osteotomy, then lateral translation can be achieved, but the bones may shift relative to one another due to applied force and the procedure lacks precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral translation controlVSAvoidbone position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the bone holding function into multiple independent components: intramedullary hooks that engage within the bone canal, external wedges that apply lateral force, and modular clamps that secure the capital fragment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, providing stable and precise lateral translation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary structures between the manual tools and the bones: padded contact surfaces between wedges and skin, friction-reducing surfaces between clamps and bone, and intramedullary hooks that mediate the force transmission. These intermediaries distribute forces evenly and prevent direct manual force from causing bone shifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional K-wires are used for guiding screw trajectories, then some targeting capability is provided, but achieving the desired K-wire trajectory is difficult and reproducible targeting is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeting capabilityVSAvoidtrajectory accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device establishes preliminary action by pre-aligning the capital fragment to the first metatarsal using intramedullary hooks and external wedges before screw insertion. This preliminary alignment creates a stable, reproducible foundation that makes subsequent trajectory targeting straightforward and accurate, eliminating the difficulty of achieving proper K-wire trajectories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the bone positioning system by using adjustable wedges with variable angles and positions, allowing precise control over the capital fragment's orientation. This parameter adjustment capability enables reproducible targeting of optimal screw trajectories without relying on difficult-to-achieve K-wire guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed device structure is used for osteotomy stabilization, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the device cannot adapt to different bone positions and trajectories

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidbone position adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic elements including adjustable wedge positions, movable clamps with friction-reducing surfaces, and intramedullary hooks that can be inserted and positioned flexibly. These dynamic components allow the device to adapt to different bone positions, sizes, and trajectories while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates controlled and reproducible lateral translation and targeting of osteotomy fragments, enhancing surgical precision and stability during minimally invasive osteotomy procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a first lateral force is generated between the first skin-interfacing portion against a second bone fragment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a holding force provided by the end portion when the first screw is rotated and the end portion is located in the intramedullary canal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250375232A1Minimally invasive surgery osteotomy fragment shifter, stabilizer, and targeter

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

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.