Reversible Bone Coupling Device for Adjustable Hammertoe Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone coupling implants for hammertoe deformity lack adjustability after initial implantation, making them inadequate for flexible joint conditions and requiring fixed fusion or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A reversible bone coupling device with a first and second component, each with elongated stem portions and a reversibly engaging locking mechanism, allowing for adjustable coupling and fusion of bones by locking and unlocking the connector to facilitate adjustments or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current bone coupling implants are used, then the implant provides structural support and coupling, but the implant lacks adjustability after initial implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple components: a first component with a first elongated stem portion, a second component with a second elongated stem portion, and a connector that couples these components. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, providing post-implantation adaptability while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates a reversibly engaging locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic feature enables the connector to be adjusted after initial implantation by temporarily unlocking the mechanism, repositioning components, and then re-locking, thus providing adaptability without requiring complex surgical procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current bone coupling implants are used, then the implant provides stable coupling, but the implant cannot be adjusted or removed after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The reversibly engaging locking mechanism provides dynamic control over the coupling stability. When locked, it ensures reliable and stable coupling between bone pieces; when unlocked, it allows for adjustment or removal. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining stable coupling and enabling post-surgical adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism allows for temporary discarding of the locked state to enable adjustment, after which the locked state is recovered to restore stability. This principle enables the implant to transition between stable coupling and adjustable states as needed during different surgical phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current bone coupling implants are used, then the implant provides fixed angle coupling, but the implant does not allow adjustment of the angle of flexion between bones
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and locking mechanism are designed to allow dynamic adjustment of the angle of flexion between coupled bone pieces. The reversibly engaging locking mechanism enables surgeons to adjust the angle post-implantation by unlocking, repositioning, and re-locking, simplifying the surgical procedure compared to requiring precise pre-determination of the final angle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current bone coupling implants are used, then the implant provides rigid fixation, but the implant cannot accommodate variations in bone size and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-component design with separable first and second components connected by a connector allows each component to be sized and shaped to accommodate different bone sizes and configurations. This segmentation enables customization for various anatomical variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall implant structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design provides universal applicability across different bone sizes and configurations through the adjustable connector and reversible locking mechanism. A single implant design can accommodate multiple bone types and sizes by adjusting the connector position and locking mechanism settings, reducing the need for multiple specialized implant variants.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reversible bone coupling device including a first component having a first elongated stem portion for insertion from a first end longitudinally into a surface of a first bone piece, and a second component having a second elongated stem portion for insertion from a second end longitudinally into a surface of a second bone piece, and a connector extending from a second top for coupling with the first component and reversibly locking therein.