Articular Surface Repair Anchor With Screw-Driven Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing damaged articular cartilage using implants often cause damage to surrounding bone and tissue due to the transmission of blunt force, which is particularly problematic in small bones and patients with reduced bone mass, as they can lead to fractures and instability in the implantation process.
Innovation Solution
A total joint replacement system that includes an implant delivery system using a driver, biasing body, and suture to secure an anchor to the bone without applying force to the surrounding tissue, allowing for the securement of an implant with minimal risk of bone damage, and an anchor and implant system with adjustable height and orientation to match the natural articular surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If blunt force is applied to the implant using a hammer or mallet, then the implant can be installed into the bone, but the surrounding bone and tissue can be damaged causing fractures or instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hammering system with a screw-driven insertion system. The implant is secured by rotating a screw mechanism that gradually advances the implant into the bone through threading, eliminating the need for blunt force impact and preventing damage to surrounding bone and tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a screw mechanism as an intermediary between the installer and the implant. This screw acts as a mediator that transfers rotational motion into controlled linear advancement, allowing the implant to be securely inserted without direct application of blunt force to the bone structure.
2Strength
If traditional hammering methods are used to install the implant, then the implant can be secured to the bone, but the force transmission can cause fractures in small bones or bones with reduced mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-impact mechanical hammering system with a controlled screw-driven system that gradually secures the implant through rotational threading. This substitution maintains strong implant securement while distributing forces over time and area, preventing sudden stress concentrations that could cause fractures in vulnerable bones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, high-force impact method to a dynamic, progressive insertion method. The screw mechanism allows continuous adjustment and gradual advancement of the implant, enabling real-time control of insertion forces to match the structural limits of the surrounding bone and prevent fracture.
3Speed
If blunt force is applied during implant installation, then the implant can be driven into position, but the surrounding tissue stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rapid but damaging blunt force impact method with a controlled screw-driven system that maintains efficient installation speed through rotational motion. The screw mechanism enables continuous, smooth advancement of the implant while maintaining constant control over applied forces, preserving tissue stability throughout the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint replacement system for repairing an articular surface of a first bone of a joint includes an anchor portion and an implant portion. The anchor portion includes an anchor to be secured to the bone, and an anchor fixation head including a bone-facing surface (BFS) extending radially outward from the anchor and an implant facing surface (IFS) extending from a periphery of the BFS. The implant portion is formed from a material (e.g., CoCr) more dense than the material of the anchor portion (e.g., Ti) and includes a fixation cavity to receive at least a portion of the anchor fixation head (AFH), the fixation cavity includes an anchor facing surface (AFS) configured to form a frictional connection with the IFS, and a load bearing surface having a contour for articulating against a cooperating articulating surface of a second bone of the joint.