Bone positioning and preparing guide systems and methods

What is this patent about?

’085 is related to the field of orthopedic surgery, specifically instruments and techniques for correcting anatomical misalignments in the foot. It addresses the complexities of bunion correction, such as the Lapidus procedure, where a first metatarsal must be repositioned relative to the second metatarsal and the medial cuneiform to restore proper skeletal geometry and facilitate joint fusion.

The underlying idea behind ’085 is that a bunion is a multi-planar deformity that requires simultaneous correction in the transverse, sagittal, and frontal planes. Rather than addressing these dimensions through separate manual manipulations, the invention utilizes a mechanical guide that applies a controlled force to move the bone into an anatomically aligned position, specifically correcting frontal plane rotation (supination/pronation) alongside the reduction of the intermetatarsal angle.

The claims of ’085 focus on a method for correcting a bunion by utilizing a bone positioning guide to move a first metatarsal in both a transverse plane and a frontal plane relative to a medial cuneiform. The claimed process involves using this mechanical guidance to close the intermetatarsal angle and subsequently preparing the facing ends of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform for fusion while the corrected orientation is maintained.

In practice, the system employs a C-shaped main body with a bone engagement member and a tip that are urged toward one another via an actuator. By anchoring the tip against a stable lateral metatarsal and the engagement member against the first metatarsal, the device creates a multi-planar shift that rotates the bone about its long axis. This mechanical advantage ensures that the sesamoid bones are restored to their proper position under the metatarsal head, a critical factor in preventing bunion recurrence.

This approach differs from prior surgical techniques that often relied on freehand bone cuts or simple lateral shifting, which frequently failed to address the rotational component of the deformity. By integrating a bone preparation guide that aligns with the corrected position, the invention allows for precise, parallel bone cuts after the deformity has been reduced. This sequence ensures maximum surface contact for fusion and provides a more predictable, stable clinical outcome compared to traditional methods.