Thumb Sling Suspension System for Basal Joint Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for basal joint reconstruction after arthroplasty involve tendon harvesting and temporary pinning, leading to complications such as infection, nerve damage, and neuroma formation, which are undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A novel sling suspension system that connects the thumb metacarpal to the index metacarpal using anchors and a sling, eliminating the need for tendon harvesting and temporary pin fixation by providing secure and stable support for the thumb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tendon harvesting and transfer procedures are used for basal joint reconstruction, then proper balance, alignment, and function can be restored, but complications such as infection, nerve damage, and neuroma formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful tendon harvesting step from the reconstruction process. Instead of harvesting tendons from other locations, the procedure uses only local soft tissue structures already present at the surgical site, thereby removing the source of complications while maintaining functional restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary implant device that mediates between the metacarpal bones. This implant provides the necessary structural support and soft tissue attachment points without requiring tendon harvesting, serving as a safe intermediary that avoids direct harm to other body parts
2Stability of the object's composition
If temporary pinning is used during reconstruction, then stable fixation is achieved, but pin tract complications such as infection and nerve damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the temporary pinning step from the surgical procedure. The implant design provides inherent stability through its structure and soft tissue attachments, eliminating the need for additional pins that would create pin tract complications
Solution Approach 2:
The implant device is self-stabilizing through its design features including soft tissue attachments and bone engagement elements. The structure provides its own fixation stability without requiring external pins or temporary fixation devices
3Ease of manufacture
If drill holes are created for tendon or suture passage, then soft tissue reconstruction is enabled, but risk of infection and nerve damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for drill holes in the reconstruction process. The implant design incorporates pre-formed attachment points and soft tissue interfaces that can be secured without penetrating drill holes, thereby removing the source of infection and nerve damage risks
Data Source
AI summary
A sling suspension system for supporting the thumb of a patient after basal joint arthroplasty, the sling suspension system comprising: an index metacarpal anchor, a thumb metacarpal anchor and a sling for securing the thumb metacarpal anchor to the index metacarpal anchor; the index metacarpal anchor comprising at least one bone-engaging element for engaging the index metacarpal and a sling-engaging element for capturing the sling to the index metacarpal anchor; the thumb metacarpal anchor comprising at least one bone-engaging element for engaging the thumb metacarpal and a sling-engaging element for capturing the sling to the thumb metacarpal anchor; and the sling comprising an elongated body having a first anchor-engaging element for securing the sling to the sling-engaging element of the index metacarpal anchor, and a second anchor-engaging element for securing the sling to the sling-engaging element of the thumb metacarpal anchor, wherein the second anchor-engaging element is adjustable.