Anatomic Orthopedic Implant Geometry for Stable Bone Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs of orthopedic implants such as plates and intramedullary nails are not anatomically correct, leading to complications like further fracturing, early device loosening, and increased risk of future fractures due to stress risers, especially in periprosthetic fractures around arthroplasty components.
Innovation Solution
A methodology using CT scan data and 3D modeling to understand the specific three-dimensional architecture of bones like the femur, tibia, and fibula, enabling the design of anatomically correct implants with optimized shape and size distribution, including features like oblique angles and screw holes, tailored for left and right sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-anatomically correct plates and intramedullary nails are used, then device simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but bone damage, device loosening, and fracture risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anatomically specific implant designs for different bone regions (proximal, distal, lateral, medial plates) and different anatomical locations (femur, tibia, fibula). Each implant is customized to match the specific three-dimensional architecture of the target bone area, ensuring optimal contact and load distribution at the bone-device interface while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production of anatomically accurate forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature principles by designing implants that follow the natural three-dimensional contours and curvatures of bones. The methodology uses CT scan data to capture the exact curvature and shape of individual patient bones, then creates implants with matching curved surfaces that conform to the anatomical geometry, improving fit and reducing stress concentrations compared to straight or simplified designs.
2Reliability
If anatomically correct implants are designed, then fit and loading at bone-device interface are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating digital three-dimensional models of patient-specific bone anatomy using CT scan data, then using these digital copies to design and manufacture implants that precisely replicate the required anatomical fit. This digital copying approach simplifies the design process by allowing virtual prototyping and optimization before manufacturing, reducing the complexity of translating anatomical requirements into manufacturing specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by systematically varying implant dimensions, curvatures, and geometric features based on measured anatomical parameters from CT scans. The methodology establishes quantitative relationships between bone anatomy parameters and optimal implant parameters, allowing complex anatomical variations to be addressed through controlled adjustments of a limited set of design parameters rather than completely custom designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current non-anatomic plating systems are used, then device availability and standardization are improved, but soft tissue irritation and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by providing localized anatomical adaptation through multiple plate variants designed for specific anatomical regions (proximal, distal, lateral, medial plates for different bones). Each plate is optimized for its specific location with appropriate curvature and contour, while the system maintains standardization through a modular family of plates that can be selected and combined based on patient anatomy, avoiding both overhang and excessive size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the anatomical space into multiple regions requiring different plate configurations. Rather than using a single standardized plate design for all applications, the methodology segments the solution into region-specific plates (proximal, distal, lateral, medial) that can be selectively applied, allowing each segment to be optimized for its local anatomical requirements while maintaining system-wide standardization through consistent design principles and manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for understanding external and internal anatomy of bones through the use of imaging data and 3D modeling to facilitate the design of anatomically correct plates, devices and implants are disclosed. In one aspect the method results in an implant or plate that includes at least one curved surface wherein a contour of the at least one curved surface corresponds to an anatomic shape of a subject. The anatomic shape of the subject being determined based on an image of the bone.