Pivotable Targeting Guide for Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Correction of hallux valgus deformities, or bunions, typically requires invasive surgery like digital metatarsal osteotomy, which is cumbersome and may not adequately address the anatomical misalignment of the metatarsal and sesamoid bones.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base with pivotable members and a targeting guide, allowing for precise alignment and fixation of bone segments using fixation elements, enabling minimally invasive surgical correction of bunion deformities by adjusting the angle and position of bone segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional digital metatarsal osteotomy surgery is performed to correct hallux valgus deformities, then the metatarsal joint can be fused to correct the bunion, but the surgical procedure becomes invasive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pivotable members that allow dynamic adjustment of the metatarsal bone segment during the procedure. The first and second members can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis, enabling real-time correction of angular deformities without requiring extensive invasive surgery. This dynamic mechanism facilitates minimally invasive correction while maintaining reliable anatomical realignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical device is divided into multiple separate members (first member, second member, targeting guide) that can be independently positioned and fixed to different bone segments. This segmentation allows precise targeting and fixation of specific bone portions without requiring large incisions or invasive procedures, while still achieving effective joint fusion.
2Reliability
If traditional surgery is used to fuse the TMT1 joint, then hallux valgus deformity can be corrected, but the procedure is cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces intermediary components (first member, second member, targeting guide) that mediate between the surgeon's corrective action and the bone fusion outcome. These intermediaries provide precise mechanical guidance and stabilization, simplifying the overall surgical procedure while ensuring reliable joint fusion. The targeting guide with its specific holes provides intermediary positioning that reduces procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions through the pivotable members and targeting guide before the actual bone fusion is completed. The first and second members can be pre-positioned and secured to the metatarsal bone segments, establishing the correct anatomical relationship in advance. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent fusion procedure and improves overall outcome reliability.
3Reliability
If the metatarsal is pointed inwardly and rotated to correct bunions, then the deformity is addressed, but the sesamoid bone becomes misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable members provide real-time feedback on the alignment status of the metatarsal and sesamoid bones during the procedure. As the first and second members pivot relative to each other, the surgeon can observe and adjust the positioning to ensure both bones are correctly aligned. This feedback mechanism maintains precise anatomical relationships while correcting the deformity, preventing sesamoid misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivotable connection between the first and second members allows continuous adjustment of the metatarsal angle during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables precise control over the alignment of both the metatarsal and sesamoid bones, ensuring that correction of the bunions does not result in sesamoid misalignment. The system adapts to maintain optimal anatomical relationships throughout the correction process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a base and a targeting guide coupled to the base. The base includes a first member and a second member. The first member defines a first hole for receiving a first fixation element for coupling the first member to a bone. The second member is pivotably coupled to the first member. The second member defines a second hole and a third hole. The second hole is for receiving a second fixation element for coupling the second member to a bone, and the third hole is for receiving an adjustment member for adjusting an angle between the first member and the second member. The targeting guide extends from a first end to a second end and defines a fourth hole adjacent to the second end of the targeting guide. The fourth hole is sized and configured to receive a fixation device therein.