IP Verse

Tarsal-Metatarsal Joint Procedure Utilizing Compressor-Distractor And Instrument Providing Sliding Surface

Patent No. US11607250 (titled "Tarsal-Metatarsal Joint Procedure Utilizing Compressor-Distractor And Instrument Providing Sliding Surface") was filed by Midcap Funding Iv Trust on Feb 7, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’250 is related to the field of surgical instruments and methods, specifically those used for bone realignment, particularly in the foot. The background involves correcting bone deformities like hallux valgus (bunions), where the metatarsal bone is misaligned. Surgical interventions aim to realign the metatarsal, and there's a need for instruments that improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility of these procedures.

The underlying idea behind ’250 is to use a compressor-distractor in conjunction with a sliding surface instrument to facilitate bone realignment. The compressor-distractor allows for controlled movement (compression or distraction) of the metatarsal relative to the cuneiform. The sliding surface instrument is inserted between the metatarsal being moved and an adjacent metatarsal to reduce friction and prevent the moving bone from catching on surrounding tissue or bone, ensuring a smoother and more accurate realignment.

The claims of ’250 focus on a method involving attaching a compressor-distractor to both a first metatarsal and a medial cuneiform. The method further includes inserting an instrument that provides a sliding surface between the first metatarsal and a second metatarsal. Finally, the compressor-distractor is actuated to move the first metatarsal towards the medial cuneiform, causing the first metatarsal to slide along the instrument's sliding surface.

In practice, the surgeon first attaches the compressor-distractor to the metatarsal and cuneiform using pins. The compressor-distractor can then be used to separate (distract) the bones for cleaning or preparation. The sliding surface instrument is then inserted between the metatarsal being moved and the adjacent metatarsal. As the compressor-distractor brings the bones back together (compresses), the metatarsal slides along the instrument's surface, minimizing friction and preventing unwanted lateral movement or catching.

This approach differs from prior solutions by providing a controlled and less traumatic method for bone realignment. Traditional methods might involve more forceful manipulation, potentially leading to tissue damage or inaccurate positioning. The combination of controlled distraction/compression with a dedicated sliding surface offers a more precise and predictable outcome, especially in delicate foot surgeries where space is limited and accuracy is paramount. The angled pin-receiving holes on the compressor-distractor can also impart corrective rotation during installation.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the late 2010s when ’250 was filed, surgical procedures for bone realignment, particularly in the foot, were at a time when specialized instruments were typically used to achieve accurate and reproducible clinical results. At that time, surgeons commonly relied on distraction and compression techniques to correct bone deformities such as hallux valgus, when hardware or software constraints made precise bone positioning non-trivial.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner approved the application because no prior art references, alone or in combination, disclosed or suggested all the limitations of the claims. Specifically, claim 1 was allowed because it recites attaching a compressor-distractor to a first metatarsal and a medial cuneiform, inserting an instrument defining a sliding surface between the first and a second metatarsal, and actuating the compressor-distractor to move the first metatarsal toward the medial cuneiform, causing the first metatarsal to slide across the sliding surface. Claim 19 was allowed for similar reasons, focusing on moving the first metatarsal away from the medial cuneiform and inserting the sliding surface instrument.

Claims

This patent contains 25 claims, with independent claims 1 and 19 directed to methods involving a compressor-distractor attached to a first metatarsal and medial cuneiform, and the insertion of an instrument defining a sliding surface between the first and second metatarsals. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the steps and features recited in the independent claims.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Compressor-distractor
(Claim 1, Claim 19)		“In some examples, a system is described that includes a compressor-distractor device and an instrument defining a sliding surface. The compressor-distractor device and the instrument defining the sliding surface can be utilized together during a bone repositioning procedure. To facilitate clean-up and compression between the two bone ends, the compressor-distractor device may be attached to both the metatarsal and cuneiform. The compressor-distractor device can then be actuated to move the metatarsal away from the cuneiform.”A device that can both compress and distract (move apart) bones, specifically used to manipulate the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform.
First metatarsal
(Claim 1, Claim 19)		“For example, during a bone repositioning procedure, a bone such as a metatarsal on a foot may be moved from an anatomically misaligned position to an anatomically aligned position with respect to another bone, such as an adjacent metatarsal. With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2A, foot 200 is composed of multiple bones including a first metatarsal 210, a second metatarsal 212, a third metatarsal 214, a fourth metatarsal 216, and a fifth metatarsal 218.”A specific bone in the foot that is being repositioned using the compressor-distractor and sliding surface instrument.
Instrument defining a sliding surface
(Claim 1, Claim 19)		“In some examples, a system is described that includes a compressor-distractor device and an instrument defining a sliding surface. The compressor-distractor device and the instrument defining the sliding surface can be utilized together during a bone repositioning procedure. As the metatarsal is moved toward the cuneiform, the prepared end face and/or a side of the metatarsal may have a tendency to catch or frictionally interfere with adjacent bone and/or tissue. For this and other reasons, an instrument defining a sliding surface according to the disclosure may be utilized with the compressor-distractor device.”A tool positioned between the first metatarsal and second metatarsal that provides a low-friction surface to facilitate movement of the first metatarsal.
Medial cuneiform
(Claim 1, Claim 19)		“For example, during a bone repositioning procedure, a bone such as a metatarsal on a foot may be moved from an anatomically misaligned position to an anatomically aligned position with respect to another bone, such as an adjacent metatarsal. One end of the metatarsal and a facing end of adjacent cuneiform may be prepared, such as by cutting the ends of the metatarsal and adjacent cuneiform. With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2A, foot 200 is composed of multiple bones including a first metatarsal 210, a second metatarsal 212, a third metatarsal 214, a fourth metatarsal 216, and a fifth metatarsal 218. The first metatarsal 210 is connected proximally to a medial cuneiform 222”A specific bone in the foot adjacent to the first metatarsal, with which the first metatarsal is being aligned.
Second metatarsal
(Claim 1, Claim 19)		“The instrument may be positioned between the prepared metatarsal and an adjacent metatarsal. For example, the instrument may be positioned between the prepared end face and/or a lateral side of the metatarsal and an adjacent metatarsal. With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2A, foot 200 is composed of multiple bones including a first metatarsal 210, a second metatarsal 212, a third metatarsal 214, a fourth metatarsal 216, and a fifth metatarsal 218.”A bone adjacent to the first metatarsal, used as a reference point for positioning the sliding surface instrument.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
1:25-cv-00592May 12, 2025Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. V. Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
2:24-cv-09763Oct 14, 2024TREACE MEDICAL CONCEPTS, INC. v. STRYKER CORPORATION et al

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US11607250

MIDCAP FUNDING IV TRUST
Application Number
US16784742
Filing Date
Feb 7, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Jun 23, 2041
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents