Catheter deliverable foot implant and method of delivering the same

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An inflatable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and inflatable through a catheter or needle. Inflation of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method for treating a patient, comprising:
 identifying a cyma line in a foot of a patient;   smoothing said cyma line; and   securing said smoothing by inflating an implant in the sinus tarsi of said foot with an inflation material.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said material is a fluid. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said material is a solid. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein said solid comprises microspheres. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the implant is inserted through a cannula inserted into said sinus tarsi of said patient. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the implant is inserted over a guidewire inserted into said sinus tarsi of said patient. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising combining multiple agents to form said inflation material. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said combining step is performed before said inflating step.