Subtalar Joint Arthroplasty via Landmark-Based Implant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for addressing joint trauma and degeneration in the subtalar joint do not adequately account for the joint's anatomy and mechanical movement patterns, leading to incomplete solutions for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing arthroplasty of the subtalar joint involving incisions, fibular osteotomy, trial implant placement, and stabilization, where landmarks and significant points are identified to secure and position implants that mimic the joint's natural movement, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to address joint trauma, then the procedures can be performed with existing techniques, but the solutions are incomplete and do not adequately address joint anatomy and mechanical movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by identifying landmarks and significant points on the articular surfaces before implant placement. This pre-planning step ensures that the implant will be positioned to mimic the joint's natural movement patterns, thereby improving the completeness and reliability of the solution while providing a structured approach that manages procedure complexity.
2Ease of operation
If implants are placed to mimic natural joint movement, then joint function is improved, but precise positioning and alignment become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The method identifies landmarks and significant points on the articular surfaces before implant placement. This preliminary mapping of anatomical features enables precise positioning of the implant to replicate natural joint kinematics, thereby improving both joint function and positioning precision through advance planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an anatomical landmark-based system. By using identified landmarks and significant points as references, the implant positioning achieves precision through anatomical relationships rather than purely mechanical alignment techniques, improving both ease of operation and positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If fibular osteotomy is performed to access the subtalar joint, then adequate exposure is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fibular osteotomy as a preliminary action to gain adequate exposure of the subtalar joint before implant placement. This advance access creation, while adding procedural steps, allows for proper positioning and stabilization of the implant, ultimately improving the overall outcome and justifying the increased complexity through better joint accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing an arthroplasty of a subtalar joint includes making at least one incision adjacent the subtalar joint, accessing the subtalar joint defined superiorly by a first articular surface and inferiorly by a second articular surface, and preparing at least one of the first articular surface and the second articular surface to form first and second interfacing surfaces. The method further includes identifying at least one landmark of the first interfacing surface and the second interfacing surface, determining at least one significant point on at least one of the first interfacing surface and the second interfacing surface relative to the at least one landmark, and placing at least one trial implant. The method also includes securing an implant positioned substantially inferior relative to the first interfacing surface and substantially superior relative to the second interfacing surface, stabilizing the subtalar joint, and closing the at least one incision.