Sliding Targeting Guide for Adjustable Metatarsal K-Wire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving accurate trajectory for K-wires during minimally invasive Chevron and Akin osteotomy procedures for correcting hallux valgus deformity is challenging due to the difficulty in setting the desired trajectory.
Innovation Solution
A targeting guide comprising an anchoring portion, targeting portion, and fulcrum, with a curved body section and sliding targeting portion, allows for precise alignment and adjustment of K-wires for screw fixation in the metatarsal bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional K-wires are used without a guiding instrument, then the procedure is simpler, but the trajectory accuracy of K-wires through the metatarsal shaft and shifted metatarsal head becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding instrument is introduced as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the K-wires. This instrument includes a guide body with a guide hole that receives a guide wire, and a positioning mechanism with a fulcrum and curved section that allows adjustment. The guiding instrument mediates the trajectory control by providing a physical guide structure that ensures accurate K-wire placement through the metatarsal shaft and shifted metatarsal head.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding instrument incorporates dynamic elements including a slidable targeting portion on a curved section that can be adjusted between positions, and a fulcrum mechanism that allows rotational movement. These dynamic components enable the instrument to adapt to different anatomical configurations and achieve the desired trajectory accuracy while maintaining ease of operation during the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the targeting portion is fixed on the body, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to adjust and optimize the trajectory for different patient anatomies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting portion is designed to slide along a curved section of the guide body, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This sliding mechanism allows the targeting portion to be positioned at different locations along the curved path, enabling adjustment of the K-wire trajectory to match different patient anatomies while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding instrument is segmented into distinct functional components: a guide body with guide hole, a separate targeting portion with targeting hole, a fulcrum mechanism, and a curved section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the curved section provides the adjustment path while the targeting portion can be positioned optimally for each patient, achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are bone screw drill targeting guides and methods for using such targeting guides that are useful in surgical procedures for correcting hallux valgus deformity.