MEDICAL CHAIN ​​NETWORK

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical product, preferably in the form of a chain mesh for use in the treatment, in particular in the filling and / or closure, of a bone defect, comprising a plurality of individual links which are connected to one another in such a way that adjacent individual links interlock / are interlinked.

[0002] Above a certain size, bone defects in the human skeleton do not heal intrinsically. This means that the defects cannot heal on their own from within and require medical treatment. In recent years, various solutions for treating bone defects have become established. Especially in revisions following total hip or knee arthroplasty (hip or knee replacement), there is often a need to fill cavernous bone defects. In medicine, a revision refers to repeated, usually surgical, treatment after a previous therapy. Filling bone defects is sometimes also necessary in spinal and trauma surgery. However, filling cavernous bone defects is often difficult, particularly in osteoporotic and tumor-affected bones.

[0003] The term "cavitary bone defect" and / or "bone cavity" refers to a hollow space or cavity in a human or animal bone, particularly in a human or animal joint bone. The hollow space may be the result of bone trauma, bone disease, or surgical intervention / reintervention, particularly revision surgery following total hip or knee arthroplasty.

[0004] Various treatment options are known from the prior art. For example, DE 9 2013 226 063 A1 discloses a medical product for use in the treatment of a bone cavity, wherein the product comprises a plurality of interconnected members, each member having a circumferential edge, and the edges of adjacent members interlock.

[0005] To fill a bone defect, moldable and adaptable filling materials such as calcium phosphate cements are often used. Scaffolds are often used to provide a framework for bone growth. These scaffolds are preformed and rigid and do not conform to the bone.

[0006] In general, a scaffold is a bioresorbable stent that gradually degrades over a period of 24 months.

[0007] Metal meshes, which exhibit limited flexibility, are used to cover bone defects in the acetabulum. The acetabulum is the socket of the hip joint or pelvis and, in anatomical terms, represents the bony portion of the hip joint formed by the pelvis. Preformed, metallic implants for bridging an acetabular bone defect, particularly revision meshes, include "Noviomagus Revision Meshes" from Spierings and "X-Change Revision Mesh" from Stryker. Flexible lattice structures are known as 3D-printed textile fabrics (cellular textiles) and mesostructured cellular materials.

[0008] Noviomagus revision meshes were developed for the containment of bone grafts during impaction bone grafting to restore anatomical shape and dimensions during hip revision surgery. These sterile, stainless steel implants have an anatomical shape to ensure proper adaptation to the acetabulum or proximal femur. Although these implants are designed to conform to general human anatomy, they are easily adapted to the individual patient. Such adaptation is achieved simply by cutting slits in strategic locations.

[0009] Furthermore, application WO 2015 91 518 A1 discloses a revision titanium mesh used to repair a bone defect during knee replacement surgery. The revision titanium mesh has transverse ribbed straps for implanting the revision titanium mesh in a human body and longitudinal ribbed straps for supporting the transverse ribbed straps. The transverse ribbed straps and longitudinal ribbed straps are crossed and combined to form a mesh-shaped revision titanium mesh.

[0010] Furthermore, application EP 0 89 883 A2 discloses a mesh for bridging a gap in a bone, which mesh is made of a biocompatible material and has a structure consisting of multiple mesh points at the end of curved cords. Each of its openings, which has a diameter of less than 1 mm, can accommodate a splint, and the openings allow for the removal of bone screws.

[0011] Furthermore, application US 2018 / 271 572 A1 describes a miniature and microscale conformal chain mail device for skeletal fixation, stabilization, and repair, as well as methods for making and using the same. The structural devices comprise a conformable sheet of interconnected polygonal links forming a chain mail mesh having first and second outer surfaces. The interconnected links comprise planar surfaces that combine to form the first and second outer surfaces of the conformable sheet, respectively. Methods of using the structural device for stabilizing bone tissue, for fixating bone tissue, as a bone graft patch, or as a thin bone tissue substitute are also provided.

[0012] The disadvantage of the application described above is that there is no mechanical stability beyond a defined curvature and all links are designed the same.

[0013] Thus, current solutions for treating bone defects offer either a malleable mass, a completely rigid scaffold / revision mesh or a flexible lattice structure without mechanical stability for bridging a bone defect. Brief description of the invention

[0014] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a medical product for the treatment of bone defects, which are adaptable, flexible and yet rigid scaffolds / revision meshes, in particular to improve the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved by dividing individual links of the chain mesh into connecting links and main links. The connecting links are designed differently from the main links, with the connecting links and main links forming a flat grid structure in the xy plane when linked together.

[0016] The interlinking of the individual links offers the possibility of forming a flat grid / network, which can be used to bridge a bone defect. The main links and the differently designed connecting links are interlinked by a loose connection, particularly within each other, to form the flat grid structure and are movable relative to each other, preferably within a limited range.

[0017] The advantage of the linked individual links that form a flat implant when used to bridge bone defects is that this bridging can be used in isolation as a scaffold for bone growth or as a demarcation for bone defect fillings.

[0018] An advantageous aspect of the present invention is that the connecting members and the main members are formed three-dimensionally, or only the main members are formed three-dimensionally and the connecting members are formed two-dimensionally.

[0019] By using at least two-dimensional individual links, different combination possibilities are possible between main links and connecting links, which can have different levels of flexibility or adaptability.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred if the planar lattice structure is bendable in the z-direction and the main elements are designed asymmetrically in the z-direction. In particular, the loose connection of the individual elements allows the planar lattice structure to be curved in the z-direction.

[0021] It is advantageous if the main elements predefine a maximum curvature of the planar lattice structure through their mutual contact. To adapt the scaffold, the surface formed in the xy plane according to the first aspect can be curved in both the positive and negative z-direction. The asymmetric design of the main elements in the z-direction opens up further possibilities, as described below.

[0022] An advantageous aspect of the present invention is that the connecting members prevent further movement of the main members, particularly their separation from one another, upon reaching the predefined maximum curvature. Thus, the medical product has limited deformability, particularly due to the structure constructed from individual members.

[0023] In other words, the flat lattice / network lying in the xy plane is curved in the z-direction. As soon as a certain / predefined curvature is reached, the main links touch each other and prevent further curvature of the lattice structure. Once this has occurred, the main links cannot move apart again thanks to the connecting links. Thus, the interaction of the main links and the connecting links ensures a rigid lattice construct as soon as a maximum curvature corresponding to the predefined curvature is reached. These advantages allow the implant to adapt to the bone and still bridge a bone defect with mechanical stability. Before the predefined and desired curvature is reached, the scaffold offers a flexible lattice structure that is ideally designed for adaptation and then stiffens.

[0024] In other words, the advantage here is that adaptation to the bone is made possible in such a way that the implant is flexible up to a certain curvature and stiffened and mechanically resilient once a predefined, in particular adjustable, curvature is exceeded.

[0025] Furthermore, the present solution offers the possibility of defining or setting different maximum curvatures by means of differently shaped main links in combination with differently shaped connecting links.

[0026] It is further preferred if the predefined maximum curvature in the positive z-direction is different from the predefined maximum curvature in the negative z-direction.

[0027] This is made possible by the asymmetric design of the main links in the z-direction. This allows the flat lattice structure to be brought into two different maximum curvatures, meaning that one side is defined / adjusted differently than the other. The asymmetry of the main links in the z-direction merely offers different degrees of freedom of movement for the entire combination of individual links, which determines the radius of curvature.

[0028] For example, when treating an acetabular defect, a maximum curvature radius of 20 to 30 mm in the positive z-direction is used, and in the negative z-direction, the maximum curvature radius is 30 to 45 mm. Therefore, the relative difference in the curvature radius in the positive z-direction is 20% less than in the negative z-direction.

[0029] In the example application of the scaffold in the treatment of a cranial plate defect, the maximum radius of curvature in the positive z-direction is 60 to 60 mm, and the maximum radius of curvature in the negative z-direction is 60 to 90 mm. Accordingly, the relative radius of curvature in the positive z-direction is 9% less than in the negative z-direction.

[0030] It is advantageous if the main links and the connecting links have a self-contained shape. Furthermore, each main link and each connecting link has at least one opening, a hole / recess defined by a closed border. Furthermore, it is advantageous if all main links and connecting links have rounded edges and any points are flattened, so that the edge of the flat lattice structure also has no potential for injury to surrounding tissue, especially tissue. Furthermore, it goes without saying that such an implant can have a fastening device with which the scaffold can be attached to a bone.

[0031] According to a first embodiment, it is advantageous if the main links are each formed as a lattice-like, triangular truncated pyramid, and the connecting links are each formed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular a hexagon. According to this embodiment, a main link is in contact with three connecting links, and a connecting link holds six main links together, with one side edge of each triangular truncated pyramid pointing toward the center of the connecting link.

[0032] According to a second embodiment, it is preferred if the main members are designed as lattice-like, preferably elongated, quadrangular pyramids and the connecting members are designed as a dome-shaped lattice shell with at least four arches at the base and with correspondingly at least four (face-shaped) recesses, which are each arranged centrally between two adjacent arches and a lower edge of the recess is located at the level of the apex of the arches.

[0033] According to a third embodiment, it is advantageous if the main links each have a first basic element designed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular a hexagon, which defines a plane, and a second basic element designed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular a hexagon, which extends over at least one plane, which are connected to one another at the corners via orthogonal, in particular differently long, side edges, and the connecting links are each formed by at least three arches connected to one another at the base.

[0034] In other words, the main member in this preferred case consists of a truss-like polygonal / hexagonal tube whose end / front surfaces are tilted towards each other.

[0035] According to a fourth embodiment, it is preferred if the main links are each formed by a connection of a first and a second central point, which are opposite one another and are connected (crown-like) to at least four outwardly bent / curved side edges, in particular to at least two adjacent side edges which have a larger bulge closer to the first central point and to at least two further adjacent side edges which have a larger bulge closer to the second central point (and thus assume the basic shape of a US football), and the connecting links are each formed as two lattice-like, closed, quadrangular pyramids which are connected to one another at their bottom / base to form a closed body.

[0036] When the medical product is bent according to one of the embodiments described above in the positive z-direction, i.e., in this case, toward the top side of the medical product, the distance between the edges / margins of the adjacent main links that define the top side of the main links increases, and the distance between the edges / margins of the adjacent main links that define the bottom side of the main links decreases. As soon as the edges of the main links that define the bottom side of the main links touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product stiffens, or the main links and connecting links interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0037] When the medical product is bent according to one of the embodiments described above in the negative z-direction, i.e., in this case, toward the underside of the medical product, the distance between the edges / margins of the adjacent main links that define the underside of the main links increases, and the distance between the edges / margins of the adjacent main links that define the top side of the main links decreases. As soon as the edges of the main links that define the top side of the main links touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product stiffens, or the main links and connecting links interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible. Short description of the characters

[0038] Fig. 1 is an illustration of the medical product according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional connecting member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a partial view of the medical product according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is an illustration of the medical product according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional connecting member according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a partial view of the medical product according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 is an illustration of the medical product according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional connecting member according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 12 is a partial view of the medical product according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 13 is an illustration of the medical product according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional connecting member according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 16 is a partial view of the medical product according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Description of the embodiments

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below based on the accompanying figures. The figures are merely schematic in nature and serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals. First embodiment

[0040] Fig. 1 is a representation of the medical product 1 according to a first embodiment. The medical product 1 shown has a plurality of individual links 2, which are connected to one another in such a way that adjacent individual links 2 are interlinked. The individual links 2 can be divided / split into main links 3 and connecting links 4, which have a different geometry / shape from one another.

[0041] Through the Fig. 1 The shown linking of the individual links 2 or the main links 3 and the connecting links 4 creates a flat lattice construct which lies in the xy plane and can be curved / bent in the z direction.

[0042] In Fig. 2 It can be seen that a main link 3 has a triangular shape in plan view, in particular the shape of an equilateral triangle. A base edge 10 of a first main link 3 is adjacent to a base edge 10 of a second main link 3. When the main links 3 are joined together in this way, six main links 3 are each connected to one another by a connecting link 4, provided that the connecting link 4 is located in the center of the medical product 1, in particular the implant. A main link 3, which is located in the center of the medical product 1, is in contact with three connecting links 4.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member 3 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The main member 3 of the first embodiment is a truncated triangular pyramid. In other words, the main member 3 has a first three-dimensional triangle 5 with a first triangular recess 6 at its center and a second three-dimensional triangle 7 with a second triangular recess 6 at its center. The first triangle 5 is arranged above the second triangle 7, and the base area of ​​the first triangle 5 is smaller than the base area of ​​the second triangle 7. The vertices 9 of the two triangles 5 and 7 are connected to one another via the three side edges 8 of the truncated pyramid at an inclination angle adapted to the different base areas.

[0044] The edges and corners of the Fig. 2 The main member 3, depicted as a lattice-like, triangular truncated pyramid, is rounded. The main member 3 according to the first embodiment is asymmetrical in the z-direction, since the lower triangle 7 is larger than the upper triangle 5, and is only y-axis symmetrical. In particular, the angles of inclination of the three side edges 8 can be equal to or different from one another, which also influences the symmetry relationships.

[0045] Fig. 3 1 is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional connecting member 4 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The connecting member 4 of the first embodiment is exemplified by an eyelet-shaped hexagon.

[0046] The connecting link 4 also has rounded edges and corners. The eyelet-shaped hexagon has a uniform thickness over its entire circumference. The connecting link 4 according to the first embodiment is both x-, y-, and z-axis symmetrical and point-symmetrical.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a partial view of the medical product 1 according to the first embodiment. It can be seen that a main link 3 is in contact with three connecting links 4. One corner of the illustrated eyelet-shaped hexagon serves to hold a side edge 8 of the pyramidal frustum. The partial view shows that, due to the truncated pyramid shape, the distance between the bases of two adjacent second triangles 7 is smaller than the distance between the bases of two adjacent first triangles 5.

[0048] When the medical product 1 is bent in the positive z-direction according to the first embodiments described above, i.e., when the curvature of the implant points toward the top of the truncated pyramid, the distance between the base edges of the adjacent triangles 5, which define the respective top of the truncated pyramid, increases, and the distance between the base edges of the adjacent triangles 7, which define the respective bottom of the truncated pyramid, decreases. As soon as the base edges of the triangles 5, which define the respective bottom of the truncated pyramid, touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0049] When the medical product 1 is bent in the negative z-direction according to the first embodiments described above, i.e., when the curvature of the implant points toward the underside of the truncated pyramid, the distance between the base edges of the adjacent triangles 5, which define the respective upper sides of the truncated pyramids, becomes smaller, and the distance between the base edges of the adjacent triangles 7, which define the respective underside of the truncated pyramids, becomes larger. As soon as the base edges of the triangles 7, which define the respective upper sides of the truncated pyramids, touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a representation of the medical product 1 according to a second embodiment. The medical product 1 shown has a plurality of individual links 2, which are connected to one another in such a way that adjacent individual links 2 are interlinked. These individual links 2 are also subdivided / divided, as in the first embodiment, into main links 3 and connecting links 4, which have a different geometry / shape from one another.

[0051] Through the Fig. 5 The shown linking of the individual links 2 or the main links 3 and the connecting links 4 creates a flat lattice construct which lies in the xy plane and can be curved / bent in the z direction.

[0052] In Fig. 5 It can be seen that a main link 3 has a four-sided pyramid shape in plan view. Furthermore, the pyramid tip 9 with the side edges 8 can be seen, and the side edges 8 end in the corners of a quadrangular base area. A view from below shows lined-up quadrilaterals that correspond to the base area of ​​the main link 3. A base edge 10 of a first main link 3 is adjacent to a base edge 10 of a second main link 3. When the main links 3 are joined together in this way, four main links 3 are each connected to one another by a connecting link 4, provided that the connecting link 4 is located in the center of the medical product 1, in particular the implant. A main link 3, which is located in the center of the medical product 1, has contact with four connecting links 4.The formation of the arches 11 on the connecting links 4 serves to overlap a respective base edge 10 of the adjacent / neighbouring main link.

[0053] The edge of the medical product of the second embodiment is preferably formed by main members 3.

[0054] Fig. 6 1 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member 3 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The main member 3 of the second embodiment is designed as a truss-like, elongated, quadrangular pyramid, hereinafter referred to as an enneahedron. In other words, it is a truss-like, quadrangular pyramid, wherein the four side edges 8 of the truss-like pyramid each end in the corners of the quadrangular base via a side edge 8a perpendicular to the bottom / underside. The quadrangular base is also designed in a truss-like manner and forms the four base edges 10.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a connecting member 4 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The connecting member 4 is designed as a dome-shaped grid shell with at least four arches 11 at the base and correspondingly at least four oval, in particular face-shaped, recesses 6, each centered between two adjacent arches 11, wherein the lower edge of the recess 6 lies at the level of the apex of the arches 11.

[0056] In other words, the connecting member 4 of the second embodiment has a structure similar to a cross-ribbed vault with four arches 11 at the base, each with an oval, particularly face-shaped, recess 6 as described above. This structure also resembles a pavilion tent with four legs in shape and structure.

[0057] The edges and corners, as well as the vertex 9 of the truss-like enneahedron of the Fig. 6 shown main link 3 and from the one in Fig. 7 The connecting link 4 shown is rounded. The main link 3 according to the second embodiment is asymmetrical in the z-direction and is only symmetrical along the y-axis. Connecting link 3 is rotationally symmetrical and has symmetry along the x- and y-axes.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a partial view of the medical product 1 according to the second embodiment. It can be seen that a main link 3 is in contact with four connecting links 4. A side edge 8 of the main link 3 shown extends through a recess 6 of the connecting link 4 in contact with it. The arcs 11 of the connecting link 4 serve to overlap a base edge 10 of the enneahedron.

[0059] When the medical product 1 is bent in the positive z-direction according to the first embodiment described above, i.e., when the curvature points toward the top side of the enneahedron, the distance between the side edges 8 of the adjacent enneahedrons, which define the respective top side of the enneahedron, increases, and the distance between the base edges 10 of the adjacent triangles 7, which define the respective bottom side of the enneahedron, decreases. As soon as the base edges 8, which define the respective bottom side of the enneahedron, touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0060] When the medical product 1 is bent in the negative z-direction according to the first embodiment described above, i.e., when the curvature points toward the underside of the enneahedron, the distance between the side edges 8 of the enneahedron, which define the respective upper side of the truncated pyramids, becomes smaller, and the distance between the base edges 10 of the enneahedron, which define the respective underside of the enneahedron, becomes larger. As soon as the side edges 8 of the enneahedron, which define the respective upper side of the enneahedron, touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0061] Fig. 9 is a representation of the medical product 1 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 9 is a representation of the medical product 1 according to a third embodiment. The medical product 1 shown has a plurality of individual links 2, which are connected to one another in such a way that adjacent individual links 2 are interlinked. These individual links 2 are also subdivided / divided, as in the first and second embodiments, into main links 3 and connecting links 4, which have a different geometry / shape from one another.

[0062] Through the Fig. 9 The shown linking of the individual elements 2 or the main links 3 and the connecting links 4 creates a flat lattice construct which lies in the xy plane and can be curved / bent in the z direction.

[0063] In Fig. 9 It can be seen that a main link 3 is an irregular hexagon in plan view. The base edges 10 of the hexagonal base of a main link 3 face the base edges 10 of the adjacent main link 3. When the main links 3 are joined in this way, a main link 3 is connected to each other by six connecting links 4, provided that the connecting link 4 is located in the center of the medical product 1, in particular the implant. A connecting link 4 located in the center of the medical product 1 is in contact with three main links 3.

[0064] The edge of the medical product according to the second embodiment is preferably formed by connecting members 4.

[0065] Fig. 10 is a representation illustrating a three-dimensional main link 3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The main link 3 has a first base element 12 formed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular a hexagon, which lies in one plane, and a second base element 13 formed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular as a hexagon, which extends over at least one plane. At the corners, the two base elements 12 and 13 are connected to one another via orthogonal, in particular differently long, side edges 8, with the base element 13 being the upper base element.

[0066] In other words, the third embodiment consists of two hexagons arranged one above the other, which are connected to each other by side edges 8 of different heights / lengths, and the side edges 8 are perpendicular to the lower base element 12. The upper base element 13 is adapted to the side edges 8 of different heights and therefore extends over several levels, in particular three levels.

[0067] According to the presentation in Fig. 10 It is preferred if the shortest side edge 8 is arranged opposite the longest side edge 8 and the four remaining side edges 8 are of the same design, but smaller than the longest side edge 8 and longer than the shortest side edge 8.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional connecting member 4 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The connecting member 4 is formed by at least three arches 11 connected to one another at the base. The interconnected arches 11 form an opening in the upward direction (positive z-direction), which is referred to below as a recess 6. The interconnected bases of the three arches 11 each form a supporting leg 14. The at least three supporting legs 14 span a triangular base and have a foot-like configuration towards the outside.

[0069] The edges and corners are, as in the Figs. 10 and 11 shown, rounded. The main link 3 is asymmetrical in the z-direction.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a partial view of the medical product 1 according to the third embodiment. It can be seen that a main link 3 is in contact with six connecting links 4. Each side edge 8 of the main link 3 shown is encompassed by a connecting link 4 in contact with it. The bends 11 of the connecting link 4 serve to overlap a base edge 10 of the main link 3. In other words, the recess 6 of a connecting link 4 encompasses a side edge 8 of each of the three adjacent / adjacent main links 3.

[0071] When the medical product 1 is bent in the positive z-direction according to the third embodiment described above, i.e., when the curvature points toward the upper base element 13 of the main link 3, the distance between the base edges 10 of the adjacent hexagons defining the respective upper base element 13 of the main link 3 increases, and the distance between the base edges 10 of the adjacent hexagons defining the respective lower base element 12 decreases. As soon as the base edges 10 of the hexagons defining the respective lower base element 12 touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0072] When the medical product 1 is bent in the negative z-direction according to the first embodiments described above, i.e., when the curvature points toward the lower base element 12 of the main link 3, the distance between the base edges 10 of the adjacent hexagons defining the respective lower base element 12 of the main link 3 becomes smaller, and the distance between the base edges 10 of the adjacent hexagons defining the respective lower base element 12 of the main link 3 becomes larger. As soon as the base edges 10 of the hexagons defining the respective upper base element 13 of the main link 3 touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0073] Fig. 13 is a representation of the medical product 1 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a partial representation of the medical product 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The shown medical product 1 shows a plurality of individual members 2, which are connected to each other such that adjacent individual members 2 are interlinked. The individual members 2 are divided / subdivided into main members 3 and connecting members 4 according to the first and second embodiments, which have a different geometry / shape from each other.

[0074] Through the linking of the individual members 2 or the main members 3 and the connecting members 4 shown in Fig. 13 a planar grid structure is formed, which lies in the x-y plane and can be curved / bent in the z direction.

[0075] In Fig. 13 In the top view, only pyramid-like tips 9 are visible, from which side edges 8 lead into the flat lattice structure. When viewing the medical product from the bottom, the same picture emerges.

[0076] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional main member 3 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The main member is formed by connecting first and second central points 9 that are opposite each other and are connected in a crown-like manner to at least four outwardly bent / curved side edges 8, in particular to at least two adjacent side edges 8 that have a larger bulge 15 closer to the first central point 9 and to at least two further adjacent side edges 8 that have a larger bulge 15 closer to the second central point 9. Thus, the bulges 15 are preferably not located in the center of the bent / curved side edges 8.

[0077] Fig. 15 3 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional connecting member 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The connecting member 3 is formed by two truss-like, closed, quadrangular pyramids, which are connected to each other at the bottom / bottom side to form a closed body.

[0078] In other words, the connecting link 4 of the fourth embodiment is a polyhedron formed from eight triangular surfaces, in particular equilateral triangular surfaces, with rounded corners and edges, as well as with a triangular recess 6 in each formed triangular surface. This triangular recess 6 is preferably adapted in shape to the triangular surface. The borders of the triangular recesses 6 correspond to the side edges 8 described above. Four converging side edges 8 form a central point 9.

[0079] The corners and edges of the above-described main link 3 and connecting link 4 have rounded corners and edges. The main link 3 according to Fig. 14 is again asymmetrical in the z-direction. The connecting link 4 according to Fig. 15 is symmetrical along the x, y and z axes, as well as point-symmetrically aligned.

[0080] Fig. 16 is a partial view of the medical product 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be seen that a main member 3 is in contact with four connecting members 4. Each side edge 8 of the illustrated main member 3 is guided through two adjacent recesses 6 of a connecting member 4 in contact with the main member 3.

[0081] When the medical product 1 is bent in the positive z-direction according to the third embodiment described above, i.e., when the curvature points toward the upper central point 9 of the main link 3, the distance between the curved side edges 8, which define the respective upper side of the main link 3, increases, and the distance between the curved side edges 8, which define the respective underside of the main link 3, decreases. As soon as the side edges 8 of the main links 3, which define the respective underside of the main link 3, touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0082] When the medical product 1 is bent in the negative z-direction according to the third embodiment described above, i.e., when the curvature points toward the lower central point 9 of the main link 3, the distance between the curved side edges 8, which define the respective upper side of the main link 3, becomes smaller, and the distance between the curved side edges 8, which define the respective underside of the main link 3, becomes larger. As soon as the side edges 8 of the main links 3, which define the respective underside of the main link 3, touch, the maximum, predefined curvature is reached and the medical product 1 stiffens, or the main links 3 and connecting links 4 interlock with each other so that no further movement is possible.

[0083] In particular, any possible combination of the main links and connecting links described above is conceivable. Bezugszeichenliste

[0084] 1Medical device 2Single link 3Main link 4Connecting link 5First triangle 6Recess 7Second triangle 8Side edge 9Central point / tip 10Base edge 11Bow 12First basic element 13Second basic element 14Supporting leg 15Bump

Claims

1. Medical product (1), in particular implant, preferably in the form of a chain net for use in the treatment, in particular in the filling and / or closure, of a bone defect, having a plurality of individual link elements (2) which are connected to each other in such a way that adjacent individual link elements (2) are linked to each other, wherein the individual link elements (2) of the chain net are subdivided into main link elements (3) and connection link elements (4), wherein the main link elements (3) and the connection link elements (4) form a grid structure which is planar in the x-y plane in the interlinked state, characterized in that the connection link elements (4) have a different geometric form from the main link elements (3).

2. Medical product (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main link elements (3) and the connection link elements (4) are formed three-dimensionally, or only the main link elements (3) are formed three-dimensionally and the connection link elements (4) are formed two-dimensionally.

3. Medical product (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the main link elements (3) are asymmetrical in the z-direction.

4. Medical product (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the planar grid structure is curvable in the z-direction.

5. Medical product (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the main link elements (3) predefine a maximum curvature of the planar grid structure by their mutual contact.

6. Medical product (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection link elements (4) prevent further movement of the main link elements (3), in particular distancing from each other, upon reaching the predefined maximum curvature.

7. Medical product (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the predefined maximum curvature in the positive z-direction is different from the predefined maximum curvature in the negative z-direction.

8. Medical product (1) according to a preceding claim, characterized in that the main link elements (3) and the connection link elements (4) have a self-contained shape.

9. Medical product (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the main link elements (3) are each formed as a framework-shaped, triangular frustum of a pyramid and the connection link elements (4) are each formed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular hexagon.

10. Medical product (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the main link elements (3) are formed as framework-like, preferably elongated, quadrangular pyramids and the connection link elements (4) are formed as a dome-shaped grid shell with at least four arched elements (11) at the base and with correspondingly at least four recesses (6), which are each arranged centrally between two adjacent arched elements (11) and a lower edge of the recess (6) is located at the level of the apex of the arched elements (11).

11. Medical product (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the main link elements (3) each have a first base element (12) formed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular a hexagon, which defines a plane, and a second base element (13) formed as an eyelet-shaped polygon, in particular a hexagon, which extends over at least one plane, which are connected to each other at the corners via orthogonal side edges (8), in particular of different lengths, and the connection link elements (4) are each formed by at least three arched elements (11) connected to each other at the base.

12. Medical product (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the main link elements (3) are each formed by a connection of a first and a second central point (9), which are opposite to each other and are connected with at least four side edges (8) which are bent / curved outwards, in particular with at least two adjacent side edges (8), which have a larger bulge (15) closer to the first central point and with at least two further adjacent side edges (8) which have a larger bulge (15) closer to the second central point (9), and the connection link elements are each formed as two framework-like, closed, quadrangular pyramids which are connected to each other at their lower / bottom side to form a closed body.