U.S. patent application number 17/080399 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for devices and methods for metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty procedures.
The applicant listed for this patent is United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, University of Washington. Invention is credited to Peter R. Cavanagh, William R. Ledoux, Bruce J. Sangeorzan.
Application Number | 20210121297 17/080399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005329060 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210121297/US20210121297A1-20210429\US20210121297A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210121297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cavanagh; Peter R. ; et
al. |
April 29, 2021 |
Devices And Methods For Metatarsophalangeal Arthroplasty
Procedures
Abstract
The present technology relates generally to devices and methods
for arthroplasty procedures. In some embodiments, for example, a
device is disclosed for use during an arthroplasty procedure of a
joint of a patient, the joint extending between a first joint end
of a first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second bone
of the patient. The device can include an end plate configured and
arranged for disposing over the first joint end of the first bone,
a longitudinal plate extending from the end plate and configured
and arranged for disposing along a medial, longitudinal surface of
the first bone, and a stem extending from the end plate and
suitable for extending along an intra-medullary canal of the first
bone. When installed, at least one fastener can extend at least
partially through the first bone and couples the longitudinal plate
to the first bone.
Inventors: |
Cavanagh; Peter R.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Ledoux; William R.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Sangeorzan; Bruce J.; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
University of Washington
United States Government as Represented by the Department of
Veterans Affairs |
Seattle
Washington |
WA
DC |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005329060 |
Appl. No.: |
17/080399 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15542009 |
Jul 6, 2017 |
10813770 |
|
|
PCT/US2016/013101 |
Jan 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
17080399 |
|
|
|
|
62102886 |
Jan 13, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/30902
20130101; A61F 2/4225 20130101; A61F 2002/30878 20130101; A61F
2002/30578 20130101; A61F 2002/4233 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/42 20060101
A61F002/42 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A method of performing an arthroplasty procedure on a joint of
a human patient, the joint extending between a first joint end of a
first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second bone of the
patient, the method comprising: removing a portion of the first
joint end of the first bone; coupling an implant to the first joint
end of the first bone, such that a stem of the implant is disposed
within an intra-medullary canal of the first bone; an end plate of
the implant is disposed over the first joint end of the first bone;
and a longitudinal plate of the implant is disposed along a medial,
longitudinal surface of the first bone; and extending a fastener
between the longitudinal plate and the stem, the fastener passing
through the longitudinal surface of the first bone.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising reaming the
intra-medullary canal of the first bone prior to coupling the
implant to the first joint end of the first bone.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein removing the portion of the
first joint end of the first bone comprises cutting the portion of
the first joint end of the first bone using a surgical
template.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint, the first bone is a metatarsus bone, and
the second bone is an abutting proximal phalanx bone.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint, the first bone is a proximal phalanx
bone of a foot, and the second bone is an abutting metatarsal
bone.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: drilling a hole
through at least a portion of the first bone prior to extending the
fastener; and passing the fastener through the hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/102,886, filed Jan. 13, 2015, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present technology is generally related to devices and
methods for arthroplasty procedures. In particular, several
embodiments of the present technology are directed to devices and
methods for arthroplasty of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Osteoarthritis ("OA"), particularly OA in the main joint of
the great toe (i.e., the first metatarsophalangeal joint ("MTPJ1"),
is a significant public health problem. According to one study, by
60 years of age the prevalence of radiographically-confirmed MTPJ1
OA is present in approximately 46% of women and 32% of men. Typical
presentations include hallux rigidus or hallux limitus with a
painful joint, hallux-sesamoid arthritis, hallux valgus, and
inflammatory arthritis. Pathology of this small joint can have a
major effect on quality of life because patient mobility is
compromised by pain and lack of motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of first and second arthroplasty
devices implanted in a left human foot and configured in accordance
with an embodiment of the present technology.
[0005] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various views of the first
arthroplasty device of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology.
[0006] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various views of the second
arthroplasty device of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology.
[0007] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of a first arthroplasty
device configured in accordance with another embodiment of the
present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] The present disclosure relates generally to devices and
methods for arthroplasty of a metatarsophalangeal joint. In
particular, the disclosed technology is directed to devices and
associated techniques for use during an arthroplasty procedure of
the metatarsophalangeal joint. As noted above, osteoarthritis (OA),
particularly in the main joint of the great toe (the first
metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1)) is a challenging joint to treat.
The goals of treatment for OA of the MTPJ1 are to reduce pain and
restore mobility of the MTPJ1. When conservative treatment has
failed, the two most common surgical options for treatment of OA
are removal of damaged articular cartilage and bone (cheilectomy)
and, for more severe cases, complete fixation of the joint with
trans-articular screws or plates (arthrodesis). Neither of these
approaches have high rates of patient satisfaction--particularly
among women, who find footwear choices limited after the main toe
joint is fixed.
[0009] The MTPJ1 is also a challenging joint to replace. The
presently available devices to replace all or part of MTPJ1 can be
classified into three groups: (1) Single hemi-arthroplasty (e.g., a
Futura.TM. metal hemi toe device); (2) Unconstrained modular
arthroplasty for both joint components (e.g., a Medin.TM. MTP Toe
Joint replacement device); or (3) Flexible hinge joints (e.g., a
Swanson.TM. Flexible Hinge Toe). None of these devices, however,
have received widespread acceptance from the foot and ankle
surgical community; arthrodesis remains the treatment of choice for
most surgeons.
[0010] Further challenges with replacing the MTPJ1 often arise
because there is typically insufficient bone available for fixation
using conventional methods, and the loads on the joint are large.
At least one study indicates that the median failure/complication
rate is 15%, but the upper end of the range is an alarming 93%. In
a recent systematic review of outcomes, one author concluded that:
"arthrodesis achieves better functional outcomes than total joint
replacement" and that "advances still need to be achieved to
produce a more successful and anatomical prosthesis that could be
functionally superior to an arthrodesis." Brewster, Mark. "Does
total joint replacement or arthrodesis of the first
metatarsophalangeal joint yield better functional results? A
systematic review of the literature." The Journal cf Foot and Ankle
Surgery 49.6 (2010): 546-552.
[0011] An examination of the failure patterns in conventional MTPJ1
joint replacements shows that the most common reported causes of
failure are loosening, misalignment, or migration. This is not
surprising when the usual techniques of fixation are
considered--the components are press- or screw-fitted into the
medullary cavity of at least one bone abutting the joint of
interest, with or without a polyethylene insert, after reaming of
the bone.
[0012] Devices configured in accordance with the present technology
for use during an arthroplasty procedure of a metatarsophalangeal
joint of a patient are expected to address the shortcomings of
conventional devices. In one embodiment, for example, a device for
use during an arthroplasty procedure of a metatarsophalangeal joint
includes an end plate coupled configured and arranged for disposing
over a first joint end of a first bone, a longitudinal plate
coupled to the end plate and configured and arranged for disposing
along a medial, longitudinal surface of the first bone, and a stem
coupled to the end plate and suitable for extending along an
intra-medullary canal of the first bone. At least one fastener
couples the longitudinal plate to the stem, the at least one
fastener extending at least partially through a longitudinal
surface of the first bone.
[0013] Further embodiments of the present technology are also
directed to methods of performing an arthroplasty procedure on a
joint of a human patient. One method can include, for example,
removing a portion of a first joint end of a first bone and
coupling an implant to the first joint end of the first bone. The
implant is coupled such that (a) a stem of the implant is disposed
within an intra-medullary canal of the first bone, (b) an end plate
of the implant is disposed over the first joint end of the first
bone, and (c) a longitudinal plate of the implant is disposed along
a medial, longitudinal surface of the first bone. The method can
further include extending a fastener between the longitudinal plate
and the stem, with the fastener passing through the longitudinal
surface of the first bone.
[0014] Further specific details of several embodiments of the
present technology are described below with reference to FIGS.
1-4D. Although many of the embodiments are described below with
respect to devices, systems, and methods for arthroplasty
procedures, other embodiments are within the scope of the present
technology. Additionally, other embodiments of the present
technology can have different configurations, components, and/or
procedures than those described herein. For example, other
embodiments can include additional elements and features beyond
those described herein, or other embodiments may not include
several of the elements and features shown and described
herein.
[0015] For ease of reference, throughout this disclosure identical
reference numbers are used to identify similar or analogous
components or features, but the use of the same reference number
does not imply that the parts should be construed to be identical.
Indeed, in many examples described herein, the identically numbered
parts are distinct in structure and/or function.
[0016] As used herein, the terms "distal" and "proximal" refer to
the location of the referenced element with respect to the tarsal
bones of the patient's foot near the ankle. "Proximal" refers to a
location closer to the tarsal bones/ankle, and "distal" refers to a
location farther away from the tarsal bones/ankle toward the
phalanges (the bones of the toes).
Selected Embodiments of Devices and Methods for Arthroplasty
Procedures
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of first and second arthroplasty
devices 101 and 151 implanted in a left foot of a human patient and
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology. As illustrated, the first arthroplasty device 101 and
the second arthroplasty device 151 are implanted at the
metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) 191 of the great toe. In
particular, the first arthroplasty device 101 is coupled to a
distal end region 193 of a metatarsal bone 195 and the second
arthroplasty device 151 is coupled to a proximal end region 197 of
a proximal phalanx bone 199 of the patient.
[0018] The first arthroplasty device 101 includes an end plate 103
disposed over the distal end region 193 of the metatarsal bone 195.
A longitudinal plate 105 extends from the end plate 103 proximally
away from the end plate 103 along a medial surface of the
metatarsal bone 195. A stem 107 (shown in broken lines) also
extends proximally from the end plate 103 along the intramedullary
canal of the metatarsal bone 195. Fasteners 109a and 109b (shown in
broken lines) can be inserted through holes (FIGS. 2A and 2B) in
the longitudinal plate 105 and the stem 107 and obtain purchase in
the lateral cortex of the metatarsal bone 195. In some embodiments,
the fasteners 109a-b are locking screws. In other embodiments,
however, the fasteners 109a-b may have a different
configuration.
[0019] The second arthroplasty device 151 can be configured
similarly to the first arthroplasty device 101. For example, the
second arthroplasty device 151 includes an end plate 153 disposed
over the proximal end region 197 of the proximal phalanx bone 199.
The end plate 153 of the second arthroplasty device 151 is
configured to engage with the end plate 103 of the first
arthroplasty device 101. A longitudinal plate 155 extends distally
away from the end plate 153 along a medial surface of the proximal
phalanx bone 199. A stem 157 extends distally from the end plate
153 along the intramedullary canal of the proximal phalanx bone
199. Fasteners 159a and 159b (shown in broken lines) extend through
the longitudinal plate 155 and the stem 157 and couple the
longitudinal plate 155 to the proximal phalanx bone 199. For
example, the fasteners 159a and 159b can be inserted through holes
(not shown) in the longitudinal plate 155 and the stem 157 and gain
purchase in the lateral cortex of the proximal phalanx bone
199.
[0020] The surfaces of the end plates 103 and 153 are complementary
to allow for the surfaces to mate with one another while allowing
the two to articulate with respect to one another. In some
embodiments, for example, the surface of the end plate 103 of the
first arthroplasty device 101 is convex and the surface of the end
plate 153 of the second arthroplasty device 151 is concave. In
other embodiments, however, the shapes of the end surfaces can be
reversed (i.e., the surface of end plate 103 may be concave and
surface of end plate 153 may be convex). In another embodiment, the
surface of the end plate 103 of the first arthroplasty device 101
has a shape corresponding to the natural shape of the metatarsal
bone 195 and the surface of the end plate 153 of the second
arthroplasty device 151 has a shape corresponding to the natural
shape of the proximal phalanx bone 199. In some embodiments, the
complementary shapes for the articular surfaces may be
patient-specific surfaces based on previously obtained information
from a CT scan or other imaging technique. While such
personalization may be attractive in some cases, in other
embodiments generic articular surface shapes over an anticipated
size range are used.
[0021] It will be appreciated that although FIG. 1 illustrates a
foot with both the first arthroplasty device 101 and the second
arthroplasty device 151 installed, in other embodiments only one of
the two devices (the first arthroplasty device 101 or the second
arthroplasty device 151) may be installed (e.g., hemiarthroplasty).
Further, while the arrangement in FIG. 1 shows the longitudinal
plates 105 and 155 of the first and second arthroplasty devices 101
and 151, respectively, installed on a medial side of the
corresponding bones, in other embodiments the devices could be
attached to other surfaces of the bone.
[0022] FIGS. 2A-2D are enlarged isometric, top, proximal, and
medial views, respectively, of the first arthroplasty device 101 of
FIG. 1 adjacent to a prepared metatarsal bone 195. For purposes of
clarity, the metatarsal bone 195 is omitted from the proximal view
in FIG. 2C, and fasteners 109a-b are omitted from FIGS. 2C and 2D.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D together, the first arthroplasty device
101 includes end plate 103 and longitudinal plate 105 extending
proximally away from the end plate 103. The stem 107 extends
proximally away from the end plate 103, approximately parallel to
the longitudinal plate 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the end
plate 103, longitudinal plate 105, and stem 107 are integrally
formed. In other embodiments, however, the components of the first
arthroplasty device 101 may be individual components that are
coupled together before installation.
[0023] The longitudinal plate 105 includes one or more holes or
apertures 110 (two are shown) for receiving fastener(s), such as
fasteners 109a-b, to secure the first arthroplasty device 101 in
place relative to the bone 195. The stem 107 can also include one
or more corresponding holes or apertures 111 aligned with the holes
110 to receive the fastener(s) and allow the fastener(s) to pass
through to obtain purchase in the opposite bone cortex. In some
embodiments, the holes 111 in the stem 107 may be oversized
relative to the holes 110 and fasteners 109a-b. Although the holes
110 are shown with a raised profile in the illustrated embodiment,
in other embodiments the holes 110 may be countersunk relative to
the surface of the longitudinal plate 105 such that when the
fasteners 109a-b are installed therethrough, the fastener heads are
flush with the surface of the longitudinal plate 105.
[0024] As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in order to prepare the
metatarsal bone 195 to receive the first arthroplasty device 10 1,
a surgical template or guide (not shown) may be used. For example,
the surgical template can be used by the surgeon when
removing/shaping the distal end region 193 of the bone 195 that
will be replaced by the end plate 103 of the first arthroplasty
device 101. The surgical template can also be used to shape a
medial portion 202 of the bone 195 to accommodate the longitudinal
plate 105 of the first arthroplasty device 101. Further, a reamer
may be used to create a void 204 (e.g., a conical void) shaped and
sized for receiving the stem 107 therein when the first
arthroplasty device 101 is mated with the metatarsal bone 195.
[0025] Guide hole(s) 206 for fastener insertion may also be formed
in the metatarsal bone 195 substantially perpendicular to the long
axis of the bone 195, and configured to intersect with the void
204. In the illustrated embodiment, two guide holes 206 have been
formed and shaped/sized to correspond to holes 110 when the first
arthroplasty device 101 is installed.
[0026] During installation, the first arthroplasty device 101 is
mated with the prepared metatarsal bone 195. In at least some
embodiments, the first arthroplasty device 101 may tapped into
place. When the first arthroplasty device 101 in in place relative
to the bone 195, the fasteners 109a and 109b are inserted through
the holes 110 in the longitudinal plate 105 and through the guide
holes 206 in the metatarsal bone 195. As best seen in FIGS. 2A and
2B, the fasteners 109a-b are sized and shaped to extend through the
holes 110 and the oversized holes 111 in the stem to couple the
longitudinal plate 105 to the metatarsal bone 195. When installed
(and as noted above with reference to FIG. 1), the fasteners 109a-b
also extend partially through the metatarsal bone 195 and gain
purchase in the lateral cortex of the metatarsal bone 195.
[0027] One feature of the first arthroplasty device 101 is that,
when installed, the stem 107 and longitudinal plate 105 are coupled
together via at least one fastener 109. This feature is expected to
reduce or inhibit the problems experienced by many conventional
devices associated with loosening, misalignment, and/or migration
of the implant. Further, because the fasteners 109a-b gain purchase
though a relatively significant portion of the bone 195, the first
arthroplasty device 101 is expected to be able to handle the large
loads on the MTPJ1 joint with less complications/failures than
conventional devices.
[0028] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various views of the second
arthroplasty device 151 configured in accordance with an embodiment
of the present technology. In particular, FIGS. 3A and 3B are
enlarged, isometric views of the second arthroplasty device 151
before installation. For purposes of clarity, the proximal phalanx
bone 199 is omitted from FIGS. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIGS. 3A and
3B together, the second arthroplasty device 151 includes a number
features similar to the features of the first arthroplasty device
101 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-2D. For example, as
noted previously, the second arthroplasty device 151 includes end
plate 153 and longitudinal plate 155 extending distally away from
the end plate 153. The end plate 153 of the second arthroplasty
device 151 has a concave arrangement configured to engage with the
convex surface of the end plate 103 of the first arthroplasty
device 101 (FIG. 1). The second arthroplasty device 151 also
includes stem 157 extending away from the end plate 153,
approximately parallel to the longitudinal plate 155. In the
illustrated embodiment, the end plate 153, longitudinal plate 155,
and stem 157 of the second arthroplasty device 151 are integrally
formed. In other embodiments, however, the components of the second
arthroplasty device 151 may be individual components that are
coupled together before installation. Further, in the illustrated
embodiment there are voids in the longitudinal plate 155, but in
other embodiments there may be no voids in the longitudinal plate
155.
[0029] The longitudinal plate 155 includes one or more holes or
apertures 158 (two are shown) for receiving fastener(s), such as
fasteners 159a-b, to secure the second arthroplasty device 151 in
place relative to the bone 199 (FIG. 3D). The stem 157 can also
include one or more corresponding holes or apertures 162 aligned
with the holes 158 to receive a portion of the fastener(s) 159.
[0030] FIG. 3C is an exploded isometric view of the proximal
phalanx bone 199 prior to receiving the second arthroplasty device
151, and FIG. 3D illustrates the second arthroplasty device 151
installed with the proximal phalanx bone 199. Referring first to
FIG. 3C, a surgical template or guide (not shown) may be used to
prepare the proximal phalanx bone 199 for installation. The process
can be similar to that described above with reference to the
metatarsal bone 195. For example, the surgical template can be used
for cutting/shaping the proximal end region 197 of the bone 199 to
receive the second arthroplasty device 151. A medial portion 220 of
the bone 199 may also shaved/shaped to receive the longitudinal
plate 155. Further, a void (not seen in FIG. 3C) can be created in
the bone 199 to receive the stem 157 therein during installation.
Guide holes (not seen in FIGS. 3C and 3D) are also formed and
shaped/sized to correspond to holes 158/162 when the second
arthroplasty device 151 is installed.
[0031] As best seen in FIG. 3D, once the second arthroplasty device
151 is mated with and positioned as desired relative to the
proximal end region 197 of the bone 199, fasteners 159a-b can be
installed through the holes 158 in the longitudinal plate 155 and
the corresponding holes 162 in the stem 157 (FIGS. 3A and 3B).
Although the fasteners 159a-b are shown with slightly raised
profile after installation in FIG. 3D, in other embodiments the
holes 158 (FIG. 3B) may be countersunk relative to the surface of
the longitudinal plate 155 such that when the fasteners 159a-b are
installed therethrough, the fastener heads are flush with the
surface of the longitudinal plate 155.
[0032] As with the first arthroplasty device 101 described above,
the fasteners 159a and 159b gain purchase in the lateral cortex of
the proximal phalanx bone 199 and help reduce/inhibit loosening,
misalignment, and/or migration of the device after implantation
[0033] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of an arthroplasty
device 401 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the
present technology. The arthroplasty device 401 is similar to the
first arthroplasty device 101 described above with reference to
FIGS. 1-2D, expect that the arthroplasty device 401 includes a
longitudinal plate 405 having a different configuration than the
longitudinal plate 105 of the device 101. In particular, as best
seen in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the longitudinal plate 405 extends from
end cap 403 and includes first and second longitudinal sides 420a
and 420b generally parallel with a stem 407, and an arcuate bridge
portion 421 extending between the first and second longitudinal
420a and 420b and beneath the stem 407. The longitudinal plate 405
is configured such that, when implanted the sides 420a-b and bridge
portion 421 extend over medial, dorsal, and plantar surfaces of the
metatarsal bone (not shown).
[0034] The arthroplasty device 401 also includes holes or apertures
406 and 416 extending through the first longitudinal side 420a and
bridge portion 421, respectively. The holes 406 and 416 are aligned
with corresponding holes or apertures 411 and 414, respectively,
through the stem 407. As with the first and second arthroplasty
devices 101 and 151 described above, the arthroplasty device 401 is
configured to receive one or more fasteners (not shown) through
corresponding holes 406 and/or 416 to couple the device 401 to the
metatarsal bone during installation.
[0035] The arthroplasty devices 101/151/401, including the
fasteners 109/159 and other referenced fasteners described herein,
can be made of a variety of materials including, for example,
biocompatible materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and
other biocompatible and rigid materials suitable for use in
surgical implants.
[0036] Further, although the description above refers to the MTPJ1
joint for illustrative purposes, embodiments of the first and
second arthroplasty devices 101 and 151 described herein can be
suitable for use along any suitable patient joint, for example
other metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot, metacarpophalangeal
joints of the hand, and any other suitable joint. Moreover, it will
be appreciated that the disclosed arthroplasty devices can be
modified in many different ways to better accommodate different
joints and different anatomies within individual patients.
Additionally, although the longitudinal plate is shown on the
medial side in the embodiments describe above with reference to
FIGS. 1-3D, in other embodiments the longitudinal plate may
attached to other surfaces of the bone in lieu of (or in addition
to) the medial surface.
Additional Examples
[0037] 1. A device for use during an arthroplasty procedure of a
joint of a patient, the joint extending between a first joint end
of a first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second bone
of the patient, the device comprising: [0038] an end plate
configured and arranged for disposing over the first joint end of
the first bone; [0039] a longitudinal plate extending from the end
plate and configured and arranged for disposing along a medial,
longitudinal surface of the first bone; [0040] a stem extending
from the end plate and suitable for extending along an
intra-medullary canal of the first bone; and [0041] at least one
fastener for coupling the longitudinal plate to the first bone,
[0042] wherein, when the device is installed, the at least one
fastener extends at least partially through the longitudinal
surface of the first bone.
[0043] 2. The device of example 1 wherein: [0044] the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint; [0045] the first bone is a metatarsus
bone; [0046] the second bone is an abutting proximal phalanx bone;
and [0047] the end plate is convex.
[0048] 3. The device of example 1 wherein: [0049] the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint; [0050] the first bone is a proximal
phalanx bone of a foot; [0051] the second bone is an abutting
metatarsal bone; and [0052] the end plate is concave.
[0053] 4. The device of any one of examples 1-3, further comprising
a first hole in the longitudinal plate and a second hole in the
stem, wherein, when the device is installed, the fastener extends
through the first and second holes.
[0054] 5. The device of example 4, further comprising: [0055] a
third hole in the longitudinal plate and a fourth hole in the stem;
and [0056] a second fastener coupling the longitudinal plate to the
stem, wherein the second fastener is configured to extend through
the third and fourth holes.
[0057] 6. The device of any one of examples 1-5 wherein the
fastener is a locking screw.
[0058] 7. The device of any one of examples 1-6, further comprising
a second longitudinal plate coupled to the end plate and configured
and arranged for disposing along the medial, longitudinal surface
of the first bone circumferentially opposite to the first
longitudinal plate along the medial, longitudinal surface of the
first bone, and wherein, when the device is installed, the fastener
couples the first and second longitudinal plates to the first
bone.
[0059] 8. The device of any one of examples 1-7 wherein end plate,
the longitudinal plate, and the stem comprise at least one of
titanium or stainless steel.
[0060] 9. The device of any one of examples 1-8 wherein the end
plate, the longitudinal plate, and the stem are integrally
formed.
[0061] 10. The device of any one of examples 1-9 wherein the stem
is tapered.
[0062] 11. A device for use during an arthroplasty procedure of a
joint of a patient, the joint extending between a first joint end
of a first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second bone
of the patient, the device comprising: [0063] an end plate
configured to be disposed over the first joint end of the first
bone; [0064] a longitudinal plate extending from the end plate and
configured to be disposed along a medial, longitudinal surface of
the metatarsus bone, the longitudinal plate having a hole formed
therein; and [0065] a stem extending from the end plate and
suitable for extending along an intra-medullary canal of the first
bone, the stem having a second hole formed therein, and wherein the
first hole and the second hole are aligned.
[0066] 12. The device of example 11, further comprising a fastener
for coupling the longitudinal plate to the first bone, and wherein,
when the device is installed, the fastener extends through the
first hole and the second hole, passing at least partially through
the longitudinal surface of the first bone.
[0067] 13. The device of example 11 wherein: [0068] the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint; [0069] the first bone is a metatarsus
bone; [0070] the second bone is an abutting proximal phalanx bone;
and [0071] the end plate is convex.
[0072] 14. The device of example 11 wherein: [0073] the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint; [0074] the first bone is a proximal
phalanx bone of a foot; [0075] the second bone is an abutting
metatarsal bone; and [0076] the end plate is concave.
[0077] 15. A method of performing an arthroplasty procedure on a
joint of a human patient, the joint extending between a first joint
end of a first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second
bone of the patient, the method comprising: [0078] removing a
portion of the first joint end of the first bone; [0079] coupling
an implant to the first joint end of the first bone, such that
[0080] a stem of the implant is disposed within an intra-medullary
canal of the first bone; [0081] an end plate of the implant is
disposed over the first joint end of the first bone; and [0082] a
longitudinal plate of the implant is disposed along a medial,
longitudinal surface of the first bone; and [0083] extending a
fastener between the longitudinal plate and the stem, the fastener
passing through the longitudinal surface of the first bone.
[0084] 16. The method of example 15, further comprising reaming the
intra-medullary canal of the first bone prior to coupling the
implant to the first joint end of the first bone.
[0085] 17. The method of example 15 or example 16 wherein removing
the portion of the first joint end of the first bone comprises
cutting the portion of the first joint end of the first bone using
a surgical template.
[0086] 18. The method of example 15 wherein the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint, the first bone is a metatarsus bone, and
the second bone is an abutting proximal phalanx bone.
[0087] 19. The method of example 15 wherein the joint is a
metatarsophalangeal joint, the first bone is a proximal phalanx
bone of a foot, and the second bone is an abutting metatarsal
bone.
[0088] 20. The method of any one of examples 15-19, further
comprising: [0089] drilling a hole through at least a portion of
the first bone prior to extending the fastener; and [0090] passing
the fastener through the hole.
CONCLUSION
[0091] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the
technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described
above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications
are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled
in the relevant art will recognize For example, while steps are
presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform
steps in a different order. The various embodiments described
herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0092] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions
have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology.
Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also
include the plural or singular term, respectively.
[0093] Moreover, unless the word "or" is expressly limited to mean
only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a
list of two or more items, then the use of "or" in such a list is
to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b)
all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items
in the list. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout
to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any
greater number of the same feature and/or additional types of other
features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that
specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of
illustration, but that various modifications may be made without
deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated
with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in
the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also
exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily
exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology.
Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass
other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.
* * * * *