Patent ID: 10646263

Abstract:
A minimally invasive method of correcting a bunion includes performing an osteotomy to divide the metatarsal into first and second portions, implanting a nail in the first portion, securing a suture to the joint capsule, tensioning the suture to align the great toe with the metatarsal, attaching the suture to the nail, and fastening the nail to the second portion. A first guide block includes a plurality of coplanar passages to guide an instrument to create one or more holes in the metatarsal in advance of the osteotomy, and a second guide block includes a guide slot for another instrument to complete the osteotomy. The method can be performed through an incision of 0.5 inches or less. The nail includes an anchor portion for anchoring in the first portion, a head for attachment to a second portion, and can include a passage for attachment of the suture.