Suture Guide Stabilizing Trapeziometacarpal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing the trapeziometacarpal joint after removal or partial resection of the trapezium face challenges due to soiling of sutures by surgical site fluids, hindering proper positioning during the surgical procedure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a drill guide, cannulated drill, and suture guide to position and secure sutures between the first and second metacarpals, with anchor plates to stabilize the joint, allowing for precise adjustment and fixation of the metacarpals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures are positioned manually in the plate after passing through the passageway, then the surgeon can secure the metacarpal position, but the sutures are soiled by surgical site fluids which hinders proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-loaded into the delivery device before the surgical procedure begins. The needle with suture is advanced through the passageway and plate in a controlled manner, ensuring the suture remains clean and positioned accurately without exposure to surgical site fluids during the critical positioning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the suture positioning process. This device protects the suture from contamination by surgical fluids while enabling precise delivery through the plate and passageway, and facilitates controlled deployment at the target location.
2Manufacturing precision
If a delivery device with pre-loaded suture is used, then suture positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is divided into functional segments: a needle portion for penetration, a body for suture storage, and a deployment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the needle through tissue, stores the suture securely, enables penetration through the plate and passageway, and controls suture deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments, thereby managing complexity while improving precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for the stabilization of the trapeziometacarpal joint following the removal or partial resection of the trapezium includes an assembly for securing a first metacarpal relative to a second metacarpal. The assembly includes a suture guide having a suture anchor plate that is frangibly connected to a guide stem.