Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Next-Generation Circular Fixator System for Enhanced Ankle Joint Stabilization

Publication ID: 24-11857207_0005_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Next-Generation Circular Fixator System for Enhanced Ankle Joint Stabilization,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857207_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857207_0005_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,207.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel circular fixator system that integrates advanced technologies to provide real-time feedback, personalized rehabilitation, and remote monitoring for enhanced ankle joint stabilization and total ankle replacement.

Background and Problem Solved

The original circular fixator system patent has limitations in providing real-time feedback, personalized rehabilitation, and remote monitoring. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced technologies to improve ankle joint stabilization and total ankle replacement outcomes.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The next-generation circular fixator system comprises a self-adjusting weight-bearing module, a built-in resection guide cartridge holder, a rotation base plate with a built-in sensor array, a feedback system, and a machine learning-based predictive analytics module. The system enables real-time tracking and analysis of ankle movement patterns, providing personalized rehabilitation recommendations and remote monitoring capabilities.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features such as self-adjusting weight-bearing, built-in resection guide cartridge holder, sensor array, feedback system, and machine learning-based predictive analytics, which are not present in the original patent and provide a significant improvement in ankle joint stabilization and total ankle replacement outcomes.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the design of the self-adjusting weight-bearing module, incorporating additional sensors or feedback mechanisms, or integrating the system with other orthopedic devices. Variations could also include different materials, sizes, or shapes for the circular fixator apparatus.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The next-generation circular fixator system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the markets for total ankle replacement, ankle joint stabilization, and personalized rehabilitation. The system's advanced features and capabilities could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery times, and increased adoption by surgeons and hospitals.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/1775
A A61 A61B17/1642
A A61 A61B17/1682
A A61 A61B17/6425
A A61 A61G13/125
A A61 A61B17/157
A A61 A61B17/1659
A A61 A61B17/171
A A61 A61B17/1739
A A61 A61B2090/034
A A61 A61F2/4202
A A61 A61F2/4606
A A61 A61F2002/4205
A A61 A61F2002/4207
A A61 A61G13/129
A A61 A61G13/1295

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical devices and methods, specifically ankle joint stabilization and total ankle replacement technologies, requiring expertise in biomechanical engineering, medical device design, and surgical intervention techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device development, familiar with orthopedic implant design, surgical alignment techniques, and emerging medical technology integration

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's circular fixator system, utilizing standard engineering design approaches to enhance existing ankle joint stabilization technologies. The proposed modifications integrate known sensor, machine learning, and feedback technologies into an existing orthopedic device framework. These enhancements represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical intervention and rehabilitation technologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Foot holder with rotation base plate and retaining body defining a groove for locking pins
PTD Variation
Adding built-in sensor array to track ankle movement patterns and provide real-time surgical guidance
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating sensor technologies into medical devices is a known technique, and a PHOSITA would recognize the predictable benefit of adding movement tracking to an existing surgical alignment system
Source Patent Element
Cartridge holder for attaching resection guide
PTD Variation
Incorporating machine learning-based predictive analytics module for personalized rehabilitation recommendations
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to medical device data represents a standard design evolution, with predictable results of improved patient outcomes and surgical precision
Source Patent Element
Ankle joint stabilization method
PTD Variation
Adding wireless connectivity for remote monitoring and adjustment of surgical intervention
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing wireless data transmission is a routine engineering solution for medical device monitoring, representing an obvious technological improvement with predictable functional benefits
Source Patent Element
Surgical alignment techniques for total ankle replacement
PTD Variation
Self-adjusting weight-bearing module that simulates ankle joint conditions during intervention
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing adaptive modules to simulate physiological conditions is a standard approach in medical device design, representing an obvious enhancement to existing stabilization technologies
Source Patent Element
Circular fixator system for ankle joint intervention
PTD Variation
3D modeling capabilities integrated with surgical alignment and resection guide systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating advanced imaging and modeling technologies is a predictable evolution in surgical intervention techniques, representing an obvious improvement to existing device capabilities
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857207 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed circular fixator system enhancements obvious and predictable. The integration of sensor technologies, machine learning, wireless connectivity, and adaptive modules represents standard engineering design choices that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to improve orthopedic surgical intervention technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,207
TitleCircular fixator system and method
Assignee(s)WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.