Threaded Target Guide for Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical correction of hallux valgus often results in visible scarring, and existing surgical methods for correcting hallux valgus deformities in the human foot are not minimally invasive.
Innovation Solution
A target guide and implant system comprising an intramedullary and extramedullary portion with fastener apertures, used in conjunction with a drill guide, to facilitate minimally-invasive correction of hallux valgus by aligning and attaching bone sections, allowing for precise placement of bone fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical methods are used to correct hallux valgus, then the deformity can be corrected, but visible scarring occurs and the procedure is not minimally invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple sections (proximal section, distal section, and intermediate section) that can be independently positioned and fixed. This segmentation allows for precise alignment of bone fragments while enabling minimally invasive insertion through smaller incisions, reducing scarring compared to traditional single-piece implants
Solution Approach 2:
A target guide is introduced as an intermediary tool during the surgical procedure to establish accurate trajectories for drill guides and bone fasteners. This mediator ensures precise alignment and positioning while allowing the surgeon to work through smaller incisions, achieving both precision and minimally invasive characteristics
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used, then hallux valgus correction can be achieved, but the procedure is not minimally invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The implant's segmented design with multiple sections allows each portion to be independently positioned and secured, providing stable bone alignment while enabling minimally invasive insertion through smaller incisions and reduced soft tissue disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The target guide is used beforehand to establish accurate drill trajectories and positioning before implant insertion. This preliminary alignment guidance ensures reliable bone positioning is achieved through minimally invasive approaches, avoiding the need for larger incisions required by traditional methods
3Ease of operation
If a target guide system is introduced for precise alignment, then minimally-invasive correction is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target guide is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple tasks: establishing drill trajectories, positioning bone fasteners, and guiding implant insertion. By consolidating these functions into a single tool, the system achieves minimally invasive capability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The target guide serves as a temporary intermediary tool that is removed after use, unlike permanent implants. This intermediary approach allows complex alignment guidance to be provided during surgery without leaving permanent complex structures in the patient's body, managing complexity in a controlled manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The target guide (200) comprises a threaded portion (244) adapted to engage a fastener aperture of an implant having an implant longitudinal axis, and a body (240) movable with the threaded portion. The body is adapted to extend from a portion of the implant defining the fastener aperture when the threaded portion (244) engages the fastener aperture. The target guide is adapted to apply a moment to rotate the implant around the implant longitudinal axis when a force is applied to the body or to a k-wire extending from the body. The target guide has a passage (242) penetrating the body and adapted for targeting a first drill for drilling a hole in a first bone section.