Method and device for correcting bone deformities

Abstract

The present invention is a method and device for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a plate body with winged buttresses and dorsal loop. The method and device can be affixed to a bone without any drilling or violating of the bone and can use a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the second metatarsal, nor does it require the placement of a prominent suture knot/button device medially along the first metatarsal.

Claims

1. A metatarsal bone stabilization device, comprising: an elongate body configured to extend along a length of a patient's metatarsal bone, the elongate body comprising a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; two buttress wings, each extending away from an opposite side of the elongate body such that longitudinal axes of both buttress wings extend within a common transverse plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, wherein inner surfaces of the buttress wings at least partially face each other and are configured so that when the elongate body and the buttress wings are placed against the patient's metatarsal bone, the patient's metatarsal bone is at least partially surrounded by the elongate body and the two buttress wings; and a channel formed by fixed and immobile surfaces on the device and defining a path substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body and directly aligned with the common transverse plane, the channel being configured such that when the elongate body and the two buttress wings are placed against the patient's metatarsal bone and cerclage material passes along the channel and is circumferentially tied around the elongate body and the underlying metatarsal bone to secure the cerclage material to an adjacent bone of the patient, the cerclage material extends directly over each of the two buttress wings.

2. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the channel is located on the elongate body.

3. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the elongate body comprises an elongate plate.

4. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the channel forms a transverse aperture on the elongate body.

5. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the elongate body and the two buttress wings have inner surfaces that are concave and outer surfaces that are convex.

6. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising one or more holes in the elongate body.

7. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising one or more holes in the two buttress wings.

8. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the channel and the two buttress wings are centrally located between the first end and the second end of the elongate body.

9. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the cerclage material extends entirely along the longitudinal axis of the two buttress wings.

10. The metatarsal bone stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the buttress wings are configured to shield the bone by preventing cerclage material from directly contacting the bone on the side of tension, and partially along adjacent cortices, thereby reducing a total area of contact between the cerclage material and underlying bone when cerclage material extends through the channel to secure the cerclage material around the plate and the patient's bone.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying features of a method and device for correcting bone deformities such as metatarsus primus adductus.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side profile view of a device embodying features of a method and device for correcting bone deformities such as metatarsus primus adductus.

(3) FIG. 3 is a front profile view of a device embodying features of a method and device for correcting bone deformities such as metatarsus primus adductus.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top view of a skeleton embodying features of a method and device for correcting bone deformities such as metatarsus primus adductus.

(5) FIG. 5 is a profile view from the second metatarsal of a skeleton embodying features of a method and device for correcting bone deformities such as metatarsus primus adductus.

(6) FIG. 6 is a profile view from the first metatarsal of a skeleton embodying features of a method and device for correcting bone deformities such as metatarsus primus adductus.

(7) FIG. 7 is a profile view of a medial incision made along the first metatarsal with tenodesis (interference) screws anchoring the suture tape to the first metatarsal.

(8) FIG. 8 is an illustration of the bone deformity, metatarsus primus adductus, before the device and method is applied.

(9) FIG. 9 is an illustration of the bone deformity, metatarsus primus adductus, anatomically reduced after the device and method is applied.

(10) FIG. 10 is an alternate embodiment of the winged looped plate device embodying features for protection of a long bone when using any cerclage technique in a series as may be necessary for longer bones. An elongated version of the winged looped plate allows for multiple wings and multiple loops for applying a series of cerclage ties over a longer bone. This figure also shows a possible low-profile variation of the loops if the cerclage material is thinner (i.e. monofilament wire).

(11) FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the correction of a bone deformity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the winged looped plate 100 device to correct bone deformities, in particular metatarsus primus adductus, the underlying cause of hallux valgus/bunion deformities. The winged looped plate 100 comprises a plate body 102 which in some embodiments is semi-tubular or tubular, with buttress wings 104, a dorsal loop 106, and ingrowth holes 108. Depending on where the plate is to be used, the number of buttress wings 104, the number and shape of the dorsal loops 106, and size and number of holes 108 on the plate body can be customized. For example, several sets of buttress wings 104, dorsal loops 106, and ingrowth holes 108 can be arranged in series along a plate body for use in longer bones when a series of cerclage ties are needed. (FIG. 10). The plate body 102 in some embodiments is semi-tubular in shape with a convex outer surface and concave inner surface to distribute forces of the suture tape evenly and avoid the need to drill a hole through the bone. The plate body 102 comprises extension buttress wings 104 which follow the semi-tubular shape of the plate body to protect the adjacent bone cortices where suture tape wraps around the device and bone. The plate body 102 and buttress wings 104 may have ingrowth holes 108 to allow bony and soft tissue/scar tissue ingrowth for long-term fixation and stability of the plate position. The dorsal loop 106 extends from the outer convex surface of the plate body 102 to facilitate the threading of cerclage material, such as suture tape, fibertape, or wire, around the device. The dorsal loop 106 retains the cerclage material centered on the plate upon tightening to evenly secure the plate firmly against the bone under tension.

(13) Embodiments can be fabricated to comprise the plate body 102, buttress wings 104, dorsal loop 106, and holes 108 using conventional manufacturing methods such as welding, pressing, casting, machining and/or forging. A variety of materials may be used including, metallics (i.e. titanium, stainless steel), bio absorbables (i.e. Poly-L-Lactide PLLA) or non-absorbables (i.e. PEEK polymer). Additionally, the inner surface of the winged looped plate 100 could be plasma coated or otherwise roughened for enhanced grip to bone.

(14) FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the correction of a bone deformity using the method and device. First, an unstable bone 301 and a stable bone 302 near the unstable bone 301 is located (FIG. 4). Second, a hole to accommodate a tenodesis (interference type) screw 204 is drilled through the unstable bone 301 (FIG. 5) so that an opening is formed on the side of the unstable bone that is furthest away from the stable bone (FIG. 9). Third, a winged looped plate 100 is placed with the inner surface against the stable bone 302 and with the dorsal loop 106 furthest away from the unstable bone 301 (FIG. 5). Fourth, a cerclage material 202 is passed through the dorsal loop 106 of the winged looped plate 100 on the stable bone 302 and tied around the stable bone 302 and winged looped plate 100 using a cerclage technique (FIG. 5). Fifth, the free ends of the cerclage material 202 are passed through the hole in the unstable bone 301 and tension is applied to the suture 202 to reduce the angular bone deformity (FIG. 6). Sixth, the cerclage material 202 is secured to the unstable bone 301 using a tenodesis (interference-type) screw 204 in the drill hole (FIG. 6).

(15) FIGS. 4-9 illustrate a method of using a winged looped plate 100 to correct the angular bone deformity, metatarsus primus adductus. First, a medial incision is made along the first metatarsal 301 (the unstable bone) head and neck as best illustrated in FIG. 7. Second, a small incision is made dorsally over the second metatarsal 302 (the stable bone) neck. Third, blunt dissection is used to create a tunnel through the soft tissue between the first metatarsal 301 and second metatarsal 302, connecting the two incisions. Third, cerclage material 202 is passed through the tunnel from medial to lateral, and located through the dorsal incision where it is then threaded through the dorsal loop 106 of the winged looped plate 100, which is then placed against the lateral cortex of the second metatarsal before the cerclage material 202 is tied once around the second metatarsal 302 using a cerclage technique, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4-5.

(16) Fourth, the cerclage material 202 is tightened so that the winged looped plate 100 is pressed firmly against the lateral aspect of the second metatarsal 302 and that buttress wings 104 of the plate cover and protect the dorsal and plantar cortices of the second metatarsal 302. The plate would be adhered to the bone primarily via tension from tightening the suture tape cerclage however, additional forms of optional fixation may include a single setscrew through a hole 108 in the dorsal wing 104, bone glue/paste/putty or other fixatives. Fifth, the free ends of the cerclage material 202 are then passed back through the soft tissue tunnel medially, then through a drill hole in the first metatarsal 301, from lateral to medial as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7. Sixth, the cerclage material 202 is pulled tightly through the drill hole, reducing the angular deformity to a more anatomic position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9. Seventh, a tenodesis anchor screw 204, shown in FIGS. 6-7, is inserted into the drill hole as an interference screw to maintain tension across the tethering mechanism between the first and second metatarsals. Finally, a second point of fixation can be achieved by passing the remaining cerclage material 202 end through a second drill hole in the first metatarsal and inserting a second tenodesis screw 204.

(17) All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claim, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

(18) Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6.

(19) Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.