Ultrasonic-Guided Botulinum Toxin Injection for Foot Joint Abnormalities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for abnormalities of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, such as hallux abductovalgus, hallux varus, and hallux limitus, are inadequate in providing sustained relief and often require high doses of neuromuscular toxins, with limited precision in targeting specific muscle fascicles and potential side effects from improper injection.
Innovation Solution
Administering neuromuscular toxins via ultrasonic-guided injections into specific fascicles of the adductor hallucis and extensor hallucis brevis muscles, combined with electrical stimulation and ultrasound-enhanced contrast, to precisely target and reduce muscle tone, while avoiding arterial injection and using splints for immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high doses of neuromuscular toxins are administered to treat abnormalities of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, then symptom relief is achieved, but side effects increase and precision in targeting specific muscle fascicles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adductor hallucis muscle into distinct fascicles (transverse and oblique heads) and administers neuromuscular toxins selectively to each fascicle based on its specific function. This segmentation allows for precise targeting of the deforming forces while avoiding overtreatment and reducing systemic side effects associated with high-dose blanket administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by administering different doses and types of neuromuscular toxins to different fascicles of the adductor hallucis muscle based on their specific functional roles. The transverse head receives treatment to address lateral pull, while the oblique head receives treatment to address medial pull, optimizing symptom relief while minimizing side effects through localized precision.
2Ease of operation
If conventional injection methods are used to administer neuromuscular toxins, then treatment is simple to administer, but precision in targeting specific muscle fascicles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary guidance system (ultrasound imaging or electrical stimulation) that mediates between the simple injection procedure and the precise targeting requirement. These intermediaries allow the practitioner to visualize or locate specific fascicles in real-time, ensuring accurate toxin delivery while maintaining the simplicity of the injection administration process.
3Loss of time
If neuromuscular toxins are administered without precise guidance, then the treatment procedure is quick and simple, but anatomical alignment improvement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using ultrasound imaging or electrical stimulation to identify and mark the precise locations of specific fascicles before administering the neuromuscular toxins. This preliminary guidance step ensures accurate targeting of the deforming forces, maximizing anatomical alignment improvement while adding minimal time to the overall procedure.
4Duration of action of moving object
If high doses of neuromuscular toxins are used to achieve sustained relief, then duration of symptom relief increases, but the amount of toxin required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by administering neuromuscular toxins selectively to only those fascicles of the adductor hallucis muscle that are contributing to the deformity, rather than treating the entire muscle. This targeted approach achieves sustained symptom relief by addressing the specific deforming forces while using minimal quantities of toxin, avoiding the need for high-dose blanket administration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces symptoms by achieving precise toxin delivery, reducing the amount of toxin needed, minimizing side effects, and providing sustained relief for up to six months with improved anatomical alignment and reduced pain.
Implementation Method 1
Administering neuromuscular toxins via ultrasonic-guided injections into specific fascicles of the adductor hallucis and extensor hallucis brevis muscles
Implementation Method 2
combined with electrical stimulation and ultrasound-enhanced contrast, to precisely target and reduce muscle tone
Implementation Method 3
combined with electrical stimulation and ultrasound-enhanced contrast, to precisely target and reduce muscle tone
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating an abnormality of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot of a mammal includes electrically stimulating a site on each of the extensor hallucis brevis and adductor hallucis muscles of a foot of the mammal affected by the abnormality, and visually confirming that the stimulated muscles responds to the stimulation by contracting. An amount of botulinum toxin effective to treat the abnormality is then injected to the confirmed sites on the extensor hallucis brevis and the adductor hallucis muscles of the affected foot.