Tri-Planar Osteotomy Guide for Metatarsal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current osteotomy procedures lack the ability to perform multi-planar correction of bone alignment effectively, particularly in bones like the metatarsal bone, where precise angular adjustments are necessary to address deformities such as metatarsus primus varus and hallux valgus, which require simultaneous changes in intermetatarsal angle, pronation, and plantar flexion.
Innovation Solution
An osteotomy system with a cutter guide and cutter that allows for tri-planar rotational osteotomy between the proximal and distal portions of the metatarsal bone, featuring reference features for aligning the cutter guide with the bone and defining osteotomy planes or rotation axes to enable user-selectable changes in intermetatarsal angle, pronation, and plantar flexion, facilitating simultaneous angular adjustments in multiple planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional osteotomy procedures are used, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the ability to perform multi-planar correction of bone alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is divided into multiple modular components including a base portion, vertical portion, and cutter guide portion that can be assembled together. Each component serves a specific function in establishing the three-dimensional osteotomy geometry, allowing complex multi-planar corrections to be achieved through coordinated simple components rather than a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The guide extends beyond conventional two-dimensional cutting guides by incorporating three-dimensional geometric features including vertical portions, angled surfaces, and multi-axis alignment references. This enables the establishment of osteotomy planes in three dimensions, allowing simultaneous correction in multiple anatomical planes (coronal, sagittal, and transverse) that was not possible with flat, two-dimensional guides
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional osteotomy guides are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the precision of angular adjustments for deformities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that allow modification of cutting angles and orientations to match specific patient anatomy and deformity characteristics. The system includes adjustable angles, interchangeable guide portions, and customizable alignment references that enable precise angular adjustments for various deformities without requiring custom-manufactured guides for each case
Solution Approach 2:
The guide design integrates multiple functions into a single device including alignment reference, cutting guide, and angular adjustment capabilities. The universal design can accommodate various bone types, deformity patterns, and correction requirements through its multi-functional components, reducing the need for multiple specialized guides while maintaining high precision for each specific application
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional osteotomy methods are used, then the procedure time is short for simple cuts, but the ability to address multiple deformities simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide combines multiple cutting guide functions into a single integrated device that can establish osteotomy planes for correcting multiple deformities simultaneously. By merging alignment references, angular adjustments, and cutting guidance for coronal, sagittal, and transverse plane corrections into one guide, the system allows surgeons to address intermetatarsal angle, pronation, and plantar flexion deformities in a single surgical step rather than requiring multiple separate procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for performing an osteotomy produce a bone cut producing a multi-planar change in the alignment of a bone portion by rotating it relative to another bone portion.