Fixation of orthopaedic devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant including a base device having a device surface and a fixation material attached to at least one portion of the device surface. The fixation material is configured to provide a minimally sufficient adhesive force to resist natural pull out caused by forces acting on the base device after implantation and bone growth. Also provided is a method of manufacturing an orthopaedic implant. A base device with a device surface is provided and a minimally sufficient adhesive force, that can resist natural pull out caused by forces acting on the base device after implantation and bone growth, is determined. A proper amount of fixation material sufficient to provide an adhesive force equal to the minimally sufficient adhesive force is determined and fixation material is applied to the device. When the proper amount of fixation material is applied to the device surface, application is stopped.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 787,507, entitled “FIXATION OF ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICES”, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to orthopaedic devices, and more particularly, to orthopaedic implants.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Orthopaedic implants are known that are implanted into the body to achieve various surgical objectives. Such implants include bone pins, bone screws and bone plates. The implantation period of the implant can vary from a short period, such as a couple of days, to the end of a patient's life. During the implantation period, the implant will experience natural forces caused by surrounding anatomy structures due to static and dynamic conditions of the anatomy structures. These natural forces can cause the implant to either loo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an orthopaedic implant that can withstand natural pull out forces when implanted within a patient while not requiring excessive force to remove, if necessary.

is that it provides an orthopaedic implant that can withstand natural pull out forces when implanted within a patient while not requiring excessive force to remove, if necessary.

Problems solved by technology

These natural forces can cause the implant to either loosen from the implantation site or, worse, ultimately detach from the implant site.

One problem that arises with implanted devices is that there is a risk that a revision surgery, to remove the implant, may be required due to reasons such as an incorrect placement, an unforeseen event or an infection causing the implant to prematurely fail.

In such cases, removing the implant can be a traumatic event for anatomy structures around the site if a lot of force is required to loosen the implant and remove it.

A similar problem can occur with devices that are meant to be temporary, i.e., have a relatively short implantation period.

The device can become too integrated with the body and become very difficult to remove, which can lead to trauma at the implantation site during removal.

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