Orthopedic implant used in cooperation with ultrasonic probe

Abstract

The utility model relates to an orthopedic implant used for being matched with an ultrasonic probe for use, the orthopedic implant comprises a body, the body comprises a detection area, the detection area is provided with a first surface, the ultrasonic probe is provided with a second surface, and the shape of the first surface is matched with that of the second surface. When a patient uses the orthopedic implant, the ultrasonic probe can be matched with the detection area, the detection area becomes a part of the ultrasonic probe, the transmission path of ultrasonic signals transmitted or received by the ultrasonic probe is not affected by the detection area, and therefore normal use of various functions of the ultrasonic probe can be guaranteed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of biomedical devices, in particular to an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasonic probe. BACKGROUND

[0002] Among various medical imaging and treatment devices, ultrasonic devices have the advantage of low cost. However, there are two problems in using ultrasonic devices to image or treat through bones. On the one hand, ultrasonic waves are greatly attenuated when they pass through bones, such as the skull. On the other hand, the propagation path of ultrasonic waves is greatly affected by bones, thereby affecting the accuracy of imaging or treatment. For brain imaging and treatment, the above two problems greatly limit the application of conventional ultrasonic devices. There are currently three ways to use ultrasonic waves to act on the brain region:

[0003] 1. High-energy ultrasonic waves (HIFU) are used outside the skull, so that the ultrasonic energy can pass through the skull. This method requires high-energy ultrasonic waves, which requires high power supply for the device. On the other hand, there is a risk of damaging the human body. In addition, since there is no echo from inside the skull, this method cannot be used for imaging and needs to be used in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging, which is very costly.

[0004] 2. During a craniotomy, the skull is opened, and a conventional ultrasonic device can be used for brain imaging and treatment. However, the operation time is relatively short, and for patients who need frequent imaging and treatment, this method of opening the skull is of little significance.

[0005] 3. An ultrasonic probe is implanted in the skull. After the skull is closed, the ultrasonic probe is located inside the skull, and the use of ultrasonic waves is not affected by the skull. However, this method generally connects a lead wire from the intracranial ultrasonic probe to the outside of the skull, which is inconvenient to use. The connected lead wire cannot be too thick, otherwise there is a risk of infection. In addition, since the ultrasonic probe is implanted in the brain, there are many biological compatibility problems. In addition, the power supply of the implanted ultrasonic probe in the brain and the bandwidth of the communication between the ultrasonic probe and the outside are problems that need to be considered. These problems make it impossible to use this implanted method for imaging under the current technology, and only simple and fixed ultrasonic energy can be emitted into the skull, limiting the use of ultrasonic functions. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasonic probe to address the problems of using ultrasonic devices in bone environments, which can eliminate the limitations of bone on the application of ultrasonic functions and enable conventional ultrasonic devices to act on the tissue environment inside the bone.

[0007] The technical scheme adopted by the present application to solve the above technical problems is an orthopedic implant used in cooperation with an ultrasonic probe, comprising a body, wherein the body comprises a detection region, the detection region has a first surface, the ultrasonic probe has a second surface, and the shape of the first surface is adapted to the shape of the second surface.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the body further comprises a bone matching region, the shape of the bone matching region is adapted to the shape of the implantation site of the orthopedic implant.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, the bone matching region is arranged around the periphery of the detection region.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the first surface and the second surface are both flat surfaces.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the second surface has a protruding portion, and the first surface has a recessed portion adapted to the protruding portion.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the second surface has a recessed portion, and the first surface has a protruding portion adapted to the recessed portion.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the body is a first thickness, the original bone thickness of the implantation site of the orthopedic implant is a second thickness, and the first thickness is equal to the second thickness.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, the first thickness ranges from 0.1 cm to 1 cm.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, the implantation site of the orthopedic implant comprises a skull site.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the material of the detection region comprises a Peek material.

[0017] The orthopedic implant of the present application comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a detection region, and the shape of a first surface of the detection region is adapted to the shape of a second surface of an ultrasonic probe. When a patient uses the orthopedic implant of the present application, the ultrasonic probe can be matched with the detection region, so that the detection region becomes part of the ultrasonic probe, and the transmission path of the ultrasonic signals emitted or received by the ultrasonic probe is not affected by the detection region, thereby ensuring the normal use of various functions of the ultrasonic probe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and comprehensible, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and comprehensible, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a Peek artificial skull;

[0020] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasound probe according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more clear and comprehensible, the following will describe the specific embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. The present application, however, can be practiced in a variety of ways other than those specifically described herein, and the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0025] As shown in the present application and claims, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context, the words "one", "a", "an" and / or "the" do not mean "only one", "single" or "exactly one", but are intended to cover both the singular and plural aspects, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context. Generally, the term "comprising" or "including" or "containing" is intended to mean that the steps and elements listed are included, but not that the method or device excludes other steps or elements.

[0026] In the description of the present application, it needs to be understood that the orientation words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" and the like indicated orientation or position relationship are generally based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and in the absence of the opposite description, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present application; the orientation words "inner, outer" refer to the inner and outer relative to the contour of each component.

[0027] In addition, it should be noted that the use of the terms "first", "second", and so on, to qualify parts, is merely intended to facilitate the differentiation of the corresponding parts, and does not have a special meaning unless otherwise stated. In addition, although the terms used in the present application are selected from commonly known terms, some of the terms mentioned in the description of the present application can be selected by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and the detailed meaning thereof is described in the relevant part of the description. In addition, the present application is to be understood not only by the actual terms used, but also by the meaning implied by each term.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described based on the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of orthopedic implants for use with an ultrasonic probe that embody the technical idea of the present application, and the orthopedic implants for use with an ultrasonic probe of the present application are not limited to the following. Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of the claims, numbers corresponding to the components shown in the embodiments are assigned to the components shown in the "Claims" and "Summary" columns. However, the components shown in the claims are by no means limited to the components of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described in the embodiments, and the like, are not intended to limit the scope of the present application to only these, but are merely illustrative.

[0029] However, the dimensions or positional relationships of the components shown in the respective drawings are sometimes exaggerated for the sake of clear illustration. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols are used to represent the same or similar components, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, each element constituting the present application can be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same component to function as a plurality of elements with one component, or conversely, such that the function of one component is shared by a plurality of components. In addition, the contents described in some of the embodiments, modes of implementation, and the like, can also be used in other embodiments, modes of implementation, and the like. In addition, in the present specification, "upper" is not limited to the case where it is in contact with the upper surface, but also includes the case where it is formed separately upward, and is also used with the meaning that an intervening layer is present between layers.

[0030] Peek (polyether ether ketone) material is a high-performance special engineering plastic with excellent comprehensive performance, widely used in aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical and other fields. Peek material also has excellent biocompatibility, making it suitable for application in implantable devices. Figure 1is a three-dimensional schematic view of a Peek artificial skull. In which the cross-sectional view of the artificial skull 100 is shown from three directions, i.e. X-view, Y-view, Z-view. In which the cross-section of the artificial skull 100 is roughly rectangular from the X direction and the Z direction. Figure 1 This is only for illustration, not for limiting the specific shape of the artificial skull 100. In which the artificial skull 100 has a curved surface from the Y direction. Generally, such curved surface design is set in accordance with the shape of the patient's skull, so as to make the appearance of the patient more natural. However, when using an ultrasonic probe to image on the curved surface, due to the difference between the shape of the ultrasonic probe and the shape of the artificial skull 100, the ultrasonic propagation path changes, resulting in changes in the imaging signal. It should be noted that the shape of the ultrasonic probe herein can include the size, shape, etc. of the ultrasonic probe, and the shape of the artificial skull 100 can include the size, shape, etc. of the artificial skull 100.

[0031] The inventors compared the results of using an ultrasonic probe to image an object in water and the results of using an ultrasonic probe to image an object in water through the artificial skull 100 shown in the figure. Figure 1 The results show that although the ultrasonic energy can reach the target to be imaged through the Peek artificial skull 100, due to the change in the ultrasonic propagation path, the image also changes, and the true and accurate imaging result cannot be obtained.

[0032] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the orthopedic implant for use with the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment of the present application, in which the ultrasonic probe 401 is additionally shown. Referring to Figure 2 The orthopedic implant 400 of the first embodiment includes a body 410, and the body 410 includes a detection region 420, the detection region 420 has a first surface 421, the ultrasonic probe 401 has a second surface 402, and the shape of the first surface 421 is adapted to the shape of the second surface 402.

[0033] The present application does not limit the implantation site of the orthopedic implant 400, and does not limit the shape, size, etc. of the body 410, which can be set according to the actual situation. In some embodiments, the implantation site of the orthopedic implant 400 includes the skull site. The present application is described by taking the skull site as an example, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] In some embodiments, the original skull to be replaced has a length and width range of about 0.5 cm to 30 cm, and the orthopedic implant 400 also has a length and width range of about 0.5 cm to 30 cm, which can be slightly smaller than the size of the original skull.

[0035] It is to be noted that the shape of the first surface 421 is adapted to the shape of the second surface 402, which means that the shape of the first surface 421 and the shape of the second surface 402 can make the first surface 421 and the second surface 402 fit with each other, and there is almost no gap between the first surface 421 and the second surface 402 when they fit with each other. Through such a design, when the patient uses the orthopedic implant 400 of the present application, the ultrasonic probe 401 can match the detection area 420 as long as it is aimed at the detection area 420. The detection area 420 is equivalent to a part of the ultrasonic probe 401, and the transmission path of the ultrasonic signal emitted or received by the ultrasonic probe 401 will not be affected by the detection area 420, so that the normal use of the functions of the ultrasonic probe 401 can be ensured.

[0036] In Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the second surface 402 of the ultrasonic probe 401 is a plane, and correspondingly, the first surface 421 is also a plane. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 401 can be a linear ultrasonic probe.

[0037] In some embodiments, the thickness of the detection area 420 which is a plane is uniform. That is, the thickness of the body 410 in the detection area 420 is uniform. In this way, the design of the detection area 420 can be simplified.

[0038] In some embodiments, the detection area 420 is a plane which does not include apertures, avoiding the change of ultrasonic impedance caused by the apertures and further affecting the propagation of the ultrasonic signal in the propagation path. Such a design will not hinder the emission or reception of ultrasonic signals, and the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0039] The present application does not limit the size of the detection area 420. In Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the size of the detection area 420 is substantially the same as the size of the second surface 402 of the ultrasonic probe 401. In other embodiments, the size of the detection area 420 can be smaller than the size of the second surface 402, and part of the second surface 402 can be adapted to the detection area 420.

[0040] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment Two of the present application, in which an ultrasonic probe 501 is additionally shown. Reference is made to Figure 3, the orthopedic implant 500 of embodiment two includes a body 510, and the body 510 includes a detection region 520, the detection region 520 has a first surface 521, the ultrasonic probe 501 has a second surface 502, the shape of the first surface 521 is adapted to the shape of the second surface 502. In embodiment two, the second surface 502 of the ultrasonic probe 501 has a recess 502a. Correspondingly, the first surface 521 of the detection region 520 has a protrusion 521a adapted to the recess 502a. It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 3 , the second surface 502 is a recess 502a as a whole, and therefore, the first surface 521 is a protrusion 521a as a whole. In other embodiments, the second surface 502 can have a recess 502a only in some regions thereof, and other regions thereof are, for example, flat or protrusions, and the first surface 521 also has protrusions 521a adapted to the recess 502a in some regions thereof, and other regions thereof are adapted to the flat or protrusions of the second surface 502.

[0041] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic view of an orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasonic probe according to embodiment three of the present application, and the ultrasonic probe 601 is additionally shown. Referring to Figure 4 , the orthopedic implant 600 of this embodiment includes a body 610, and the body 610 includes a detection region 620, the detection region 620 has a first surface 621, the ultrasonic probe 601 has a second surface 602, the shape of the first surface 621 is adapted to the shape of the second surface 602. In embodiment three, the second surface 602 of the ultrasonic probe 601 has a protrusion 602a. Correspondingly, the first surface 621 of the detection region 620 has a recess 621a adapted to the protrusion 602a. It should be noted that, as shown in Figure 4 , the second surface 602 is a protrusion 602a as a whole, and therefore, the first surface 621 is a recess 621a as a whole. In other embodiments, the second surface 602 can have a protrusion 602a only in some regions thereof, and other regions thereof are, for example, flat or recesses, and the first surface 621 also has recesses 621a adapted to the protrusion 602a in some regions thereof, and other regions thereof are adapted to the flat or recesses of the second surface 602.

[0042] It should be noted that embodiments one, two, and three are only examples. Those skilled in the art can combine and change on the basis of the present application to design a first surface of any shape, so that the detection region is adapted to the second surface of the ultrasonic probe, so that the ultrasonic probe can normally play all the functions of the ultrasonic probe when acting on the orthopedic implant. For example, a detection region can simultaneously include flat, protrusions, and recesses to be suitable for three different types of ultrasonic probes.

[0043] It should be noted thatFigures 2 to 4 The three view directions X-view, Y-view, Z-view in Figure 1 Similarly, the sectional view of the orthopedic implant of the present application is represented from the perspective of the three directions X, Y, Z.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the body 410 further comprises a bone matching region 430, which is shaped to match the shape of the implantation site of the orthopedic implant 400. For example, when used for implanting a cranial site, the bone matching region 430 should be shaped to match the shape of the cranial bone of the site, so that the orthopedic implant 400 can be more naturally combined with the surrounding bone tissue, reducing the impact on the appearance of the patient. Accordingly, in the embodiments shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bone matching region is also included in the embodiments shown in Figure 2 The description of the bone matching region is described by taking

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the bone matching region 430 is peripherally arranged around the detection region 420. In addition to naturally combining with the patient's bone, the bone matching region 430 also serves to support the detection region 420. In some embodiments, according to the actual situation of the patient, the bone matching region 430 can also be arranged side by side with the detection region 420, that is, the bone matching region 430 is only used to support part of the edge or region of the detection region 420.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2 As shown in the figure, from the perspective of the X direction, at least part of the first surface 421 of the detection region 420 protrudes from the third surface 431 of the bone matching region 430. The junction of the first surface 421 and the third surface 431 can be a smooth transition surface. The transition surface at the junction can be processed by image fusion, interpolation, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, the material of the detection region 420 comprises a Peek material. For example, the detection region 420 is entirely made of a Peek material. By using a Peek material, the orthopedic implant 400 has good biocompatibility and is convenient for clinical application.

[0048] In some embodiments, the material of the bone matching region 430 comprises a Peek material. For example, the bone matching region 430 is entirely made of a Peek material.

[0049] In some embodiments, the detection region 420 and the bone matching region 430 are integrally formed. For example, by means of three-dimensional printing, the detection region 420 and the bone matching region 430 are printed using the same material.

[0050] In some embodiments, the material of the detection region 420 and the bone matching region 430 are different. For example, the detection region 420 is made of Peek material, and the bone matching region 430 is made of other relatively low-cost biocompatible material to reduce the overall material cost.

[0051] In some embodiments, the thickness of the body 410 is a first thickness, the original bone thickness of the implant site of the orthopedic implant 400 is a second thickness, and the first thickness is equal to the second thickness. In some embodiments, the first thickness ranges from 0.1 cm to 1 cm. By equating the first thickness of the body 410 to the original bone thickness, the engagement of the orthopedic implant 400 with the surrounding tissue is facilitated.

[0052] The following illustrates the application scenario of the orthopedic implant of the present application by taking the implantation of the skull as an example.

[0053] Obtain a medical image of the skull part of a patient to determine the region where the orthopedic implant needs to be implanted.

[0054] Select the ultrasonic probe to be used according to the specific condition of the patient.

[0055] Determine the shape of the first surface of the detection region of the orthopedic implant according to the shape of the ultrasonic probe, so as to adapt to the second surface of the ultrasonic probe.

[0056] Generate the orthopedic implant in combination with the medical image of the patient and the shape of the detection region. The way of generating the orthopedic implant can include three-dimensional printing and the like.

[0057] Implant the generated orthopedic implant into the skull of the patient.

[0058] According to the above application process, on the one hand, the detection region in the orthopedic implant is matched with the ultrasonic probe, and after the implantation is completed, the detection region can be used for imaging or treatment in cooperation with the ultrasonic probe, so that the ordinary ultrasonic equipment can act on the brain region, and the requirement and cost of the equipment are reduced, and the medical cost of the patient is further reduced. On the other hand, the orthopedic implant can be customized for each patient, and the application range is wide.

[0059] Although some currently considered useful embodiments are discussed in the above disclosure through various examples, it should be understood that such details are only for the purpose of illustration, and the additional claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that fall within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, although the system components described above can be implemented by hardware devices, they can also be implemented only by software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0060] For simplicity and to facilitate understanding of the terms used herein, a description of a certain feature of an embodiment or aspect or an embodiment can be stated using a plurality of circumstances and endings. Each of those descriptions should not be construed as having been repeated in every instance. Not all instances are drawn to a particular feature or combination of features. Thus, the applicant does not intend for the scope of a claim to be limited to the description of one or more embodiments in the specification.

[0061] Some embodiments use numerical designations to describe components, quantities of attributes. It should be understood that such numerical designations used in the description of embodiments can be modified in some examples by the modifier "about," "approximately," or "substantially." Unless otherwise stated, "about," "approximately," or "substantially" indicate that the stated numerical value allows for a variation of ±20%. Accordingly, numerical values used in the specification and claims of some embodiments are approximations. Variations can occur when taking measurements, particularly when measuring small or large volumes. In some embodiments, the numerical values in the specification and claims have been determined using the generally accepted number of significant figures. Although some embodiments of the application are presented in terms of numerical ranges and parameters for the purposes of providing a thorough and enabling disclosure, in specific embodiments, the numerical values are set as precisely as possible.

Claims

1. An orthopedic implant for use with an ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, The body includes a probe region having a first surface, the ultrasound probe having a second surface, the first surface being shaped to fit the second surface.

2. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The body further includes a bone matching region shaped to fit a shape of an implant site of the orthopedic implant.

3. The orthopedic implant of claim 2, wherein, The bone matching region surrounds a periphery of the probe region.

4. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The first surface and the second surface are both planar.

5. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The second surface has a protrusion and the first surface has a recess shaped to fit the protrusion.

6. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The second surface has a recess and the first surface has a protrusion shaped to fit the recess.

7. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The body has a first thickness, an original bone thickness of the implant site of the orthopedic implant has a second thickness, and the first thickness is equal to the second thickness.

8. The orthopedic implant of claim 7, wherein, The first thickness is in a range of 0.1 cm to 1 cm.

9. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The implant site of the orthopedic implant includes a cranial site.

10. The orthopedic implant of claim 1, wherein, The material of the probe region includes a Peek material.

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