Asymmetrical Bone Fixture Thread for Osseointegration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bone conduction hearing prostheses face challenges in efficiently transferring sound vibrations to the skull, particularly in cases where middle ear function is compromised, due to the limitations of existing bone fixtures and attachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a bone conduction implant with a bone fixture featuring an asymmetrical thread profile, grooves on the flanks and root of the thread, and a porous-solid scaffold to enhance osseointegration, along with a flange design that promotes bone growth and stability, allowing for effective vibration transmission and integration with the skull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bone fixture with symmetrical thread profile is used, then the device structure is simple, but the osseointegration stability and vibration transmission effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a bone fixture with an asymmetrical thread profile where the outer circumference includes a first radius at a first location and a second radius at a second location, with the radii being different. This asymmetrical configuration enhances osseointegration stability by creating more effective bone engagement while maintaining structural efficiency for vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the radius at different locations around the outer circumference of the bone fixture. Specifically, the first radius at the first location differs from the second radius at the second location, creating localized variations in bone engagement that improve overall osseointegration while allowing different regions to serve optimized functions.
2Reliability
If smooth thread flanks are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the bone growth promotion and implant stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating porous coatings on the thread flanks of the bone fixture. These porous structures promote bone ingrowth and enhance osseointegration by providing a scaffold for bone cells to attach and grow, thereby improving implant stability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-forming grooves on the thread flanks during the manufacturing process. These grooves are created in advance to guide and promote bone growth patterns, ensuring that bone cells follow the desired pathways for optimal integration before the implant is placed in the patient.
3Reliability
If a solid non-porous bone fixture is used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the osseointegration and bone ingrowth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by designing the bone fixture with a porous internal structure or porous surface coatings. This porous configuration allows bone cells to penetrate and grow within the fixture structure, significantly enhancing osseointegration. The porous structure acts as a biological scaffold that promotes natural bone ingrowth while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the implant.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables improved sound transmission and integration with the skull, enhancing the effectiveness of bone conduction hearing prostheses for individuals with middle ear dysfunction by increasing the stability and osseointegration of the implant.
Implementation Method 1
a porous-solid scaffold to enhance osseointegration
Implementation Method 2
Bone conduction devices mechanically transmit sound information to a recipient's cochlea by transferring vibrations to a person's skull
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus for a bone conduction implant is provided. The apparatus comprises a bone fixture including a screw thread configured to screw into a skull. At least a portion of a section of the screw head that extends at least a portion of the way along a helix of the thread is non-uniform. At least a portion of the screw thread includes a porous-solid scaffold configured to promote growth of a recipient's skull bone.