Bone positioning guide

What is this patent about?

’994 is related to the field of orthopedic surgery and surgical instrumentation, specifically focusing on devices used for the anatomical realignment of bones. In procedures such as bunion corrections or metatarsal fusions, surgeons must often manipulate small bones in multiple dimensions simultaneously to achieve proper alignment before permanent fixation. Traditional manual methods can be inconsistent, as holding a bone in a corrected position while preparing joint surfaces or applying hardware is technically demanding.

The underlying idea behind ’994 is a mechanical framework that converts a simple linear or clamping force into a multi-planar corrective movement. By anchoring a guide against a stable reference bone and applying a controlled force to a misaligned bone, the device forces the target bone to not only translate laterally but also to rotate axially. This insight recognizes that deformities like hallux valgus are three-dimensional, requiring a frontal plane rotation (supination/pronation) alongside transverse plane shifting to restore natural anatomy.

The claims of ’994 focus on a bone positioning guide comprising a bone engagement member, a tip, and an actuation mechanism designed to urge these two components toward one another. The independent claim specifically protects a device where this closing action is configured to move a first bone in more than one plane relative to a second bone. Crucially, this movement must include correction about an axis in the frontal plane, ensuring the device addresses the rotational component of the bone deformity.

In practical application, the guide utilizes a C-shaped main body where a threaded shaft advances a concave engagement member toward a stationary tip. The tip is typically placed percutaneously against the lateral side of a stable metatarsal, while the engagement member grips the medial ridge of the first metatarsal. As the surgeon turns the actuator, the geometry of the device and the resistance of the anatomy work together to reduce the intermetatarsal angle while simultaneously rotating the bone back into its proper orientation.

This approach differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a stable, hands-free hold on the corrected alignment throughout the surgical workflow. Unlike standard clamps that only provide compression, this invention acts as a temporary jig that maintains the three-dimensional correction. This allows the surgeon to accurately place bone preparation guides and fixation hardware without the risk of the bone slipping back into a deformed state during the procedure.