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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. |
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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. |
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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 targeting guide, trajectory guide, drill guide, cutting guide, tendon trajectory guide, capital fragment positioning guide, or similar guide that can be attached to one or more bones, with one or more features that facilitate work on 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 engagement surface that is shaped to match the contour of a surface of the bone, such that the bone engagement surface can lie directly on the corresponding contour. |
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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 targeting guide, trajectory guide, drill guide, cutting guide, positioner, positioning guide, tendon trajectory guide, or the like. |
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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 or instruments having various attributes and advise the surgeon accordingly. For example, where a range of guides are available for a given procedure, analysis of the CAD data may facilitate pre-operative selection of the optimal guide and/or optimal placement of the guide on the bone. Similarly, if a range of implants and/or instruments 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. |
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Thus, the result of the step 108 may 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. |
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In a step 110, the manufactured instrumentation may be used in surgery to facilitate treatment of the condition. In some embodiments, this may include placing the modelled bone engagement 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. |
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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 FIG. 1B, for correction of a bunion deformity of the foot. |
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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. |
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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, an 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 instrument 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 instrument and the patient-specific synthetic cadaver can be provided to a surgeon who can then rehearse an operation procedure in part or in full before going into an operating room with the patient. |
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In certain embodiments, the patient-specific instrument or instrument can be used to preposition and/or facilitate pre-drilling holes for 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, machine learning and automated/artificial intelligence may be used to measure a depth of the a through a patient-specific resection 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, 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 instrument and/or implant. The details for such lengths, trajectories, and components can be detailed in a report provided to the surgeon preparing to perform a procedure. |
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FIG. 1B is a flowchart diagram depicting a method 120 for correcting or remediating a bone condition, according to one embodiment. The method 120 may be used to prepare for an orthopedic procedure which corrects or remediates a bone, muscle, deformity, and/or tendon condition of a patient. |
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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 include capturing a scan of select bones of a patient or may include capturing additional anatomic information, such as the entire foot. Additionally or alternatively, the step 122 may include 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. |
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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. |
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"Tendon transfer system" refers to a system for facilitating a surgical procedure that locates or relocates a tendon anchor point on one bone to a new or different location on the same or on a different bone. |
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"Tendon transfer anchor guide" refers to any structure and/or instrument that can serve to guide the formation, deployment, or establishing of an anchor or a structure or component of an anchor such as a hole, an opening, a tunnel, or the like. In certain embodiments, a tendon transfer anchor guide is a guide that facilitates formation of a bone tunnel for deployment of an anchor for a tendon that is anchored as part of a surgical procedure. |
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"Recommended location" refers to a location for deployment of a tendon or other soft tissue on, in, or within a body part of a patient. |
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As used herein, an “inserter” refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, system, or assembly that is structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to insert or deploy one or more components, parts, or devices. In certain embodiments, an inserter can be used to insert implants and/or prosthesis into tissue, organs, or parts of a patient. In certain embodiments, an inserter can also be used to extract, retract, reposition, or remove an implant and/or prosthesis. |
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"Point" refers to a mechanical device, apparatus, member, component, system, assembly, or structure having a larger diameter on one end than the diameter on the opposite end. In certain embodiments, a point has a proximal end connected or coupled to a base, shaft, and/or body and a distal end that is free. A point may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes including round, circular, square, oval, rectangular, and the like. In certain embodiments, a point may progressively taper from a larger diameter on one end to a small sharp end on an opposite end. Alternatively, a free end of a point may have a flat or angled end instead of a sharp tip. |
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"Appendage" refers to a projecting part of a structure or living organism, with a distinct appearance and/or function. (Search "appendage" on wordhippo.com. WordHippo, 2023. Web. Modified. Accessed 28 Aug. 2023.) Examples of appendages include fingers, toes, arms, legs, tails, and the like. Examples of an appendage can include a structure of an object or instrument that emulate or have a similar function to similar structures on a person or animal. |
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