Wedge-Shaped Osteotomy Implant Tibia Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Open wedge osteotomies in knee surgery are procedurally challenging due to difficulties in creating precise wedge-like openings in the tibia with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues and stabilizing the bone segments during healing.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for performing open wedge high tibial osteotomy using a positioning guide, slope guide, keyhole drill guide, and wedge-shaped implant to accurately form and stabilize the osteotomy cut, minimizing tissue damage and ensuring precise alignment and stabilization of the tibia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a wedge-like opening is created in the tibia using conventional methods, then the osteotomy can be performed to adjust knee geometry, but the surrounding soft and neurological tissues are traumatized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of wedge-like openingVSAvoidtrauma to surrounding tissues
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A reamer is introduced as an intermediary tool to create the wedge-like opening in the tibia. The reamer allows precise control over the osteotomy geometry while minimizing direct trauma to surrounding soft and neurological tissues through its controlled rotational cutting action and protective guidance structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tibia is stabilized after osteotomy, then the bone segments remain in position during healing, but the stabilization process is procedurally challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of tibia segmentsVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reamer and osteotomy apparatus are designed to perform stabilization functions as part of the same procedure. The reamer creates the osteotomy opening while simultaneously guiding the formation of the wedge-like structure, reducing the need for separate stabilization steps and simplifying the overall procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2099394B1Osteotomy implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped osteotomy opening
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 ARTHREX INC
  • EP2099394B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2099394B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2099394B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An osteotomy implant for disposition In a wedge shaped osteotomy opening In a bone, the Implant comprising a body for disposition within the wedge-shaped osteotomy opening In the bone and supporting the bone while healing occurs, at least one key formed integral with the body for stabilizing the body relative to the adjacent bone while healing occurs, and at least one fenestration extending through the body for permitting bone growth through the implant. An osteotomy implant for disposition in a wedge shaped osteotomy opening in a bone, the implant comprising a body for disposition within the wedge-shaped osteotomy opening in the bone and supporting the bone while healing occurs, and at least one key formed integral with the body for stabilizing the body relative to the adjacent bone while healing occurs.