Subtalar Spacer System for Stable Sinus Tarsi Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subtalar arthroereisis systems for treating hyperpronation and flat feet are not stable enough, often become loose, causing painful irritation and requiring removal, which leads to further complications like subtalar arthrodesis.
Innovation Solution
A subtalar spacer system with an articulating surface, spacer body portion, and spacer mount portion, along with a fastener, is implanted in the sinus tarsi to restore the normal talocalcaneal relationship, providing a stable and movable joint to prevent loosening and promote bony ingrowth for long-term stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current subtalar arthroereisis systems are implanted to limit talus motion, then hyperpronation and flat feet are treated, but the arthroereisis becomes loose within the sinus tarsi causing painful irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The subtalar arthroereisis is divided into separate components: a spacer body portion and a spacer mount portion with multiple attachment members. This segmentation allows for improved stability through distributed attachment points while maintaining the spacer function to limit talus motion and prevent tissue irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment members are integrated with the spacer mount portion to form a unified structure that provides both spacing function and secure anchoring. The fasteners combine mechanical attachment with bone engagement, creating a stable system that prevents loosening and eliminates painful irritation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If current subtalar arthroereisis systems are used to reopen the collapsed sinus tarsi, then foot anatomy is partially restored, but the system is not stable enough to accurately reconstitute the anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer mount portion features localized attachment members positioned at specific locations within the sinus tarsi. This local quality approach ensures accurate reconstitution of the sinus tarsi anatomy by placing attachment points where they provide maximum stability and anatomical accuracy, rather than uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment members extend in multiple dimensions from the spacer mount portion, creating a three-dimensional anchoring system. This multi-dimensional approach provides superior stability and accuracy in reconstituting the sinus tarsi anatomy compared to single-plane attachment methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current subtalar arthroereisis systems are implanted, then talocalcaneal relationship is modified, but removal is mandatory once the system fails, leading to painful collapse and requiring formal subtalar arthrodesis
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are designed with fasteners that engage bone in advance, creating a pre-secured anchoring system. This preliminary action ensures that the arthroereisis remains stable during the healing process and eliminates the need for removal, preventing painful collapse and the need for formal subtalar arthrodesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer body portion is designed as a consumable component that may be replaced if necessary, while the attachment members with bone-engaging fasteners provide permanent anchoring. This approach allows for flexible adaptation while maintaining long-term stability, eliminating the harmful effects of collapse and the need for arthrodesis.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for modifying a talocalcaneal spatial relationship in a foot in a body, including a subtalar spacer having an articulating surface and implanted in the sinus tarsi of the foot and a fastener that fastens the subtalar spacer to a bone surface in the foot, in which the articulating surface of the subtalar spacer directs relative movement between the calcaneus and the talus of the foot.