Soft Tissue Retention Device for Toe Joint Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic procedures for attaching soft tissue, such as tendons or ligaments, to small bones like those in the foot are challenging due to difficulties in aligning and securing these tissues correctly, leading to instability and deformities like metatarsophalangeal joint instability and transverse toe deviation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a soft tissue retention device system that includes a tack and sleeve configuration with threaded fixation and bone retention, allowing for secure attachment of tendons to the plantar base of the proximal phalanx, utilizing a single-hand instrument for implantation, and featuring anti-loosening features to prevent de-coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional two-handed instruments are used for soft tissue attachment, then the surgeon can manipulate multiple instruments, but it becomes difficult to correctly align soft tissue to the attachment bone while constantly switching between instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (alignment, fixation, and tensioning) into a single integrated instrument system. The alignment guide and fixation device are merged into one tool that can be operated with one hand, eliminating the need to switch between multiple instruments while maintaining precise alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides alignment guidance, secures the soft tissue to bone, and maintains tendon tension simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single instrument to replace traditional multi-instrument procedures, improving both ease of operation and alignment precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current tendon transfer procedures are used, then the flexor digitorum longus tendon can be released and transferred, but the tendon cannot be securely attached to the plantar base of the proximal phalanx due to inadequate fixation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into distinct functional components including an alignment guide portion and a fixation portion. This segmentation allows the device to first establish precise alignment at the plantar base of the proximal phalanx, then securely fixate the tendon in that aligned position, ensuring both adaptability for transfer and reliability for attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide acts as an intermediary element between the surgeon's instrument and the bone surface. It provides a stable reference that mediates the positioning of the fixation device, ensuring accurate placement at the plantar base before the tendon is secured, thereby enhancing attachment reliability.
3Productivity
If the flexor digitorum longus tendon is transferred to non-ideal locations, then the procedure can be completed, but metatarsophalangeal joint instability and transverse toe deviation are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide portion of the device performs preliminary alignment action before the actual tendon fixation occurs. By pre-establishing the correct anatomical position at the plantar base of the proximal phalanx, the device ensures that when the tendon is attached, it is secured at the ideal location that maintains joint stability and prevents transverse deviation.
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
This system enables secure and reproducible attachment of tendons to small bones, improving the correction of toe contractures by maintaining appropriate tendon tension and alignment, thereby reducing pain and stabilizing the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Implementation Method 1
an externally threaded shaft extending from the upper end of the shank and having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter of the shank; the sleeve is configured for insertion into and through the proximal phalangeal bone and onto the tack, the sleeve having a tubular body defining a first end and a second end, an internally threaded bore extending into the tubular body from the first end thereof and sized to threadedly engage the externally threaded shaft of the tack
Implementation Method 2
texturing on the sloped upper side of the base
Implementation Method 3
texturing on the sloped upper side of the base
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a single-hand instrument for implantation
Data Source
AI summary
Soft tissue retention devices, instrumentation and related methods are disclosed. The devices include a first member having a first head portion and a first shaft portion, the first head portion and the first shaft portion defining a cannulated opening that extends at least partially through the first member, and a second member having a second head portion and a second shaft portion extending from an inner side of the second head portion, the second head portion and the second shaft portion defining a cannulated opening that extends at least partially through the second member.