Step-off Bone Plate Dual Curvature Alignment Guide
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone plates used in orthopedic procedures, such as the Lapidus procedure, face challenges with dorsal medial positioning, which alters normal foot pressures and imparts undesirable forces post-operatively, leading to instability and discomfort due to inadequate curvature matching and tendon irritation.
Innovation Solution
A step-off bone plate with dual curvatures and a connecting portion, designed for medial wall positioning, featuring an extension member to reinforce the plantar aspect and a ramped portion to allow tendon gliding, reducing gapping and soft-tissue irritation, along with a bone plate insertion system that includes an alignment guide apparatus for precise screw placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dorsal medial positioned plate is used to translate the cut bone down and over, then the transverse plane alignment (hallux valgus) is corrected, but undesirable forces are imparted on the plate post-operatively leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate incorporates dual curvatures (first and second curvatures) that match the natural anatomy of the foot bones. This curved design allows the plate to conform to the bone surface, distributing forces more evenly and reducing undesirable stress concentrations that would otherwise lead to instability and discomfort.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dorsal medial positioned plate is used, then bone realignment is achieved, but tendon irritation and soft-tissue discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plate design extracts the problematic dorsal medial positioning and replaces it with a medial wall positioning that includes a ramped portion. This ramped portion specifically addresses tendon irritation by providing a smooth transition surface that allows tendons to glide over the plate rather than being irritated by sharp edges or improper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual curvature design allows the plate to match the natural contours of the foot bones, creating a smoother interface with surrounding soft tissues and reducing tendon irritation through anatomical conformity.
3Ease of operation
If standard bone plates are used without curvature matching, then surgical procedure is simplified, but gapping occurs and soft-tissue irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate incorporates dual curvatures that match the natural anatomy of the foot bones. This curved design allows the plate to conform to the bone surface, distributing forces more evenly and reducing undesirable stress concentrations that would otherwise lead to instability and discomfort.
4Measurement precision
If precise screw placement is required without additional imaging, then surgical precision is improved, but the complexity of the insertion system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion system includes pre-configured alignment guides and drill guides that are attached to the bone plate before surgery. These guides pre-establish the correct screw trajectories and positions, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative imaging while ensuring precise screw placement through preliminary mechanical alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a step off bone plate, bone plate insertion system, and method of use. The step off bone plate includes a body with a first end and a second end, the body includes a first portion with a first curvature, a second portion with a second curvature, and a connecting portion coupled to the first portion at a first end and coupled to the second portion at a second end. The bone plate insertion system includes a step off bone plate and an alignment guide apparatus. A method of using the step off bone plate is also disclosed.