Tarsometatarsal Joint Fusion Guides for Precise Foot Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures for tarsometatarsal joint fusion, such as the Lapidus bunionectomy, lack precision and efficiency, leading to suboptimal correction of deformities in the tarsometatarsal region.
Innovation Solution
The use of specialized cutting guides, pin guides, linear reducers, compressor blocks, bone plates, and other devices and methods that facilitate precise and efficient fusion of the tarsometatarsal joint, allowing for improved alignment and stabilization of the metatarsal and cuneiform bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical procedures are used for tarsometatarsal joint fusion, then the surgical process is simpler, but the precision and efficiency of deformity correction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cut guide is positioned and secured to the patient's foot before the actual cutting operation begins. This preliminary positioning establishes precise reference planes and orientations that guide subsequent bone resections, ensuring accurate deformity correction is achieved before the surgical procedure progresses further.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut guide serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bone cutting operation. It translates the desired correction parameters into precise physical guides for saw blade positioning, enabling accurate deformity correction without requiring the surgeon to directly measure and calculate each cut angle and position during the procedure.
2Productivity
If conventional surgical procedures are used for tarsometatarsal joint fusion, then the surgical procedure is easier to perform, but the efficiency of the operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cut guide is positioned and secured to the patient's foot before the actual cutting operation begins. This preliminary positioning establishes precise reference planes and orientations that guide subsequent bone resections, ensuring accurate deformity correction is achieved before the surgical procedure progresses further.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut guide serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bone cutting operation. It translates the desired correction parameters into precise physical guides for saw blade positioning, enabling accurate deformity correction without requiring the surgeon to directly measure and calculate each cut angle and position during the procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional surgical procedures are used for tarsometatarsal joint fusion, then fewer specialized devices are required, but the alignment precision of metatarsal and cuneiform bones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into multiple specialized components including the cut guide, pin guides, linear reducers, and compressor blocks. Each component performs a specific function in the alignment and fixation process, allowing for precise control of bone positioning through a series of coordinated steps rather than requiring a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cut guide serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the bone cutting operation. It translates the desired correction parameters into precise physical guides for saw blade positioning, enabling accurate deformity correction without requiring the surgeon to directly measure and calculate each cut angle and position during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for correcting deformities in a patient's foot. In one example, a metatarsus adductus is addressed using a pin placement guide that is angulated to be placed in alignment with a cuneiform and a metatarsal, such that the TMT joint can be subsequently cut, and the metatarsal moved into proper alignment. Th pin placement guide can be a variable angle guide, or a kit of fixed-angle pin placement guides can be provided.