Dave's PCF WIP: Paragraphs

Paragraphs

Actions	Application	Content	Paragraph Number	Notes	Modified
		Content		Paragraph Number	Notes	Any Field
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In some embodiments, one or more articulating surfaces of a joint may be replaced and/or resurfaced. For example, for the MTP joint, a patient-specific cutting guide may be used to determine the angles of cuts on the distal metatarsal or the proximal phalanx in preparation for replacement or resurfacing of the metatarsal head and/or the proximal phalangeal base. Implants for either the metatarsal or the phalanx may be customized to match the patient’s original anatomy, such as the curvature of the MTP joint. In other embodiments, an MTP joint may be fused through the use of patient-specific cutting guides. Patient-specific cutting guides may be used to treat (for example, via fusion, resurfacing, and/or arthroplasty) any joint in the body, using methods similar to the method 100.	51	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	According to other examples, patient-specific cutting guides may be used to carry out an Evans calcaneal osteotomy and/or a medializing calcaneal osteotomy. Patient-specific instruments will be shown and described, in relation to an Evans calcaneal osteotomy, and a medializing calcaneal osteotomy.	52	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	Figure 1A is a flowchart diagram depicting a method 100 for correcting a bone condition, according to one embodiment. The method 100 may be used for any of a wide variety of bone conditions, including but not limited to deformities, fractures, joint failure, and/or the like. Further, the method 100 may provide correction with a wide variety of treatments, including but not limited to arthroplasty, arthrodesis, fracture repair, and/or the like.	53	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	As shown, the method 100 may begin with a step 102 in which a CT scan (or another three-dimensional image, also referred to as medical imaging) of the patient’s anatomy is obtained. The step 102 may entail capturing a scan of only the particular bone(s) to be treated, or may entail capture of additional anatomic information, such as the surrounding tissues. Additionally or alternatively, the step 102 may entail receiving a previously captured image, for example, at a design and/or fabrication facility. Performance of the step 102 may result in possession of a three-dimensional model of the patient’s anatomy, or three-dimensional surface points that can be used to construct such a three-dimensional model.	54	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	After the step 102 has been carried out, the method 100 may proceed to a step 104 in which a CAD model of the patient’s anatomy (including one or more bones) is generated. The CAD model may be one example of a bone model. The CAD model may be of any known format, including but not limited to SolidWorks, Catia, AutoCAD, or DXF. In some embodiments, customized software may be used to generate the CAD model from the CT scan. The CAD model may only include the bone(s) to be treated and/or may include surrounding tissues. In alternative embodiments, the step 104 may be omitted, as the CT scan may capture data that can directly be used in future steps without the need for conversion.	55	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In one embodiment, the CAD model generated and/or patient-specific instrumentation, implants, and/or plan for conducting an operative procedure, may be enhanced by the use of advanced computer analysis system, machine learning, and/or automated/artificial intelligence. For example, these technologies may be used to revise a set of steps for a procedure such that a more desirable outcome is achieved.	56	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In a step 106, the CAD model and/or CT scan data may be used to model patient-specific instrumentation that can be used to correct the condition, as it exists in the patient’s anatomy. In some embodiments, any known CAD program may be used to view and/or manipulate the CAD model and/or CT scan, and generate one or more instruments that are matched specifically to the size and/or shape of the patient’s bone(s). In some embodiments, such instrumentation may include a cutting guide that is attachable to one or more bones, with one or more resection features that facilitate resection of the one or more bones pursuant to a procedure such as arthroplasty or arthrodesis. In some embodiments, performance of the step 106 may include modelling an instrument with a bone apposition surface that is shaped to match the contour of a surface of the bone, such that the bone apposition surface can lie directly on the corresponding contour.	57	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In a step 108, the model(s) may be used to manufacture patient-specific instrumentation and/or implants. This may be done via any known manufacturing method, including casting, forging, milling, additive manufacturing, and/or the like. Additive manufacturing may provide unique benefits, as the model may be directly used to manufacture the instrumentation and/or implants (without the need to generate molds, tool paths, and/or the like beforehand). Such instrumentation may optionally include a cutting guide with the bone apposition surface and one or more resection features as described above.	58	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In addition to, or in the alternative to the step 108, the model(s) may be used to select from available sizes of implants and/or instruments and advise the surgeon accordingly. For example, where a range of cutting guides are available for a given procedure, analysis of the CAD data may facilitate pre-operative selection of the optimal cutting guide and/or optimal placement of the cutting guide on the bone. Similarly, if a range of implants may be used for a given procedure, analysis of the CAD data may facilitate pre-operative selection of the optimal implant(s). More particularly, properly-sized spacers, screws, bone plates, and/or other hardware may be pre-operatively selected.	59	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	Thus, the result of the step 108 may be provision, to the surgeon, of one or more of the following: (1) one or more patient-specific instruments; (2) one or more patient-specific implants; (3) an instrument, selected from one or more available instrument sizes and/or configurations; (4) an implant, selected from one or more available implant sizes and/or configurations; (5) instructions for which instrument(s) to select from available instrument sizes and/or configurations; (6) instructions for which implant(s) to select from available implant sizes and/or configurations; (7) instructions for proper positioning or anchorage of one or more instruments to be used in the procedure; and (8) instructions for proper positioning or anchorage of one or more implants to be used in the procedure. These items may be provided to the surgeon directly, or to a medical device company or representative, for subsequent delivery to the surgeon.	60	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In a step 110, the manufactured instrumentation may be used in surgery to facilitate treatment of the condition. In some embodiments, this may entail placing the modelled bone apposition surface against the corresponding contour of the bone used to obtain its shape, and then using the resection feature(s) to guide resection of one or more bones. Then the bone(s) may be further treated, for example, by attaching one or more joint replacement implants (in the case of joint arthroplasty), or by attaching bone segments together (in the case of arthrodesis or fracture repair). Prior to completion of the step 110, the instrumentation may be removed from the patient, and the surgical wound may be closed.	61	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	As mentioned previously, the method 100 may be used to correct a wide variety of bone conditions. One example of the method 100 will be shown and described in connection with Figure 1B, for correction of a bunion deformity of the foot.	62	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In certain embodiments, one or more of a method, apparatus, and/or system of the disclosed solution can be used for training a surgeon to perform a patient-specific procedure or technique. In one embodiment, the CAD model generated and/or patient-specific instrumentation, implants, and/or plan for conducting an operative procedure can be used to train a surgeon to perform a patient-specific procedure or technique.	63	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In one example embodiment, a surgeon may submit a CT scan of a patient’s foot to an apparatus or system that implements the disclosed solution. Next, a manual or automated process may be used to generate a CAD model and for making the measurements and correction desired for the patient. In the automated process, advanced computer analysis system, machine learning and automated/artificial intelligence may be used to generate a CAD model and/or one or more patient-specific instruments and/or operation plans. For example, a patient-specific cutting guide may be fabricated that is registered to the patient’s anatomy using a computer-aided machine (CAM) tool. In addition, a CAM tool may be used to fabricate a 3D structure representative of the patient’s anatomy, referred to herein as a patient-specific synthetic cadaver. (e.g. one or more bones of a patient’s foot). Next, the patient-specific cutting guide and the patient-specific synthetic cadaver can be provided to a surgeon who can then rehearse an operation procedure in full before going into an operating room with the patient.	64	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In certain embodiments, the patient-specific cutting guide can be used to preposition and pre-drill a plate system for fixation purposes. Such plate systems may be optimally placed, per a CT scan, after a correction procedure for optimal fixation outcome. In another embodiment, the CAD model and/or automated process such as advanced computer analysis system, machine learning and automated/artificial intelligence may be used to measure a depth of the cut through the patient-specific cutting guide for use with robotics apparatus and/or systems which would control the depth of each cut within the guide to protect vital structures below or adjacent to a bone being cut. In another embodiment, the CAD model and/or automated process such as advanced computer analysis system, machine learning and automated/artificial intelligence may be used to define desired fastener (e.g. bone screw) length and/or trajectories through a patient-specific cutting guide and/or implant. The details for such lengths, trajectories, and components can be detailed in a report provided to the surgeon preparing to do a procedure.	65	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	Figure 1B is a flowchart diagram depicting a method 120 for correcting bunion deformity of the human foot, according to one embodiment. The method 120 may be used to carry out an arthrodesis procedure by which the first metatarsocuneiform joint is removed and the first cuneiform and first metatarsal are secured together in a manner that properly aligns the first metatarsal, providing correction of the deformity.	66	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	As shown, the method 120 may begin with a step 122 in which a CT scan (or another three-dimensional image) of the patient’s foot is obtained. The step 122 may entail capturing a scan of only the first cuneiform and first metatarsal, or may entail capture of additional anatomic information, such as the entire foot. Additionally or alternatively, the step 122 may entail receipt of previously captured image data. Capture of the entire foot in the step 122 may facilitate proper alignment of the first metatarsal with the rest of the foot (for example, with the second metatarsal). Performance of the step 122 may result in generation of a three-dimensional model of the patient’s foot, or three-dimensional surface points that can be used to construct such a three-dimensional model.	67	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	After the step 122 has been carried out, the method 120 may proceed to a step 124 in which a CAD model of the relevant portion of the patient’s anatomy is generated. The CAD model may optionally include the bones of the entire foot, like the CT scan obtained in the step 122. In alternative embodiments, the step 124 may be omitted in favor of direct utilization of the CT scan data, as described in connection with the step 104.	68	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In a step 126, the CAD model and/or CT scan data may be used to model patient-specific instrumentation that can be used to correct the bunion deformity. Such instrumentation may include a cutting guide that is attachable to the first cuneiform and the first metatarsal, with two resection features that facilitate resection of the cuneiform and the metatarsal in preparation for arthrodesis. In some embodiments, performance of the step 126 may include modelling the cutting guide with a bone apposition surface that is shaped to match contours of the surfaces of the cuneiform and the metatarsal, such that the bone apposition surface can lie directly on the corresponding contours of the first cuneiform and the first metatarsal.	69	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM
View Edit Delete	PER-12	In a step 128, the model(s) may be used to manufacture patient-specific instrumentation and/or instruments. This may include manufacturing the cutting guide with the bone apposition surface and the resection features as described above. As in the step 108, the step 128 may additionally or alternatively involve provision of one or more instruments and/or implants from among a plurality of predetermined configurations or sizes. Further, the step 128 may additionally or alternatively involve provision of instructions for placement and/or anchorage of one or more instruments and/or instruments to carry out the procedure.	70	Added by DJM Jan 2024	1/6/24, 10:03 PM

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