Bio-resorbable Ligament Stabilization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the human knee joint, such as replacement with synthetic ligaments, lead to loss of sensitivity and stability over time due to the permanent nature of the replacement, which can result in further instability or rupture, and do not effectively leverage the body's self-healing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system with self-dissolving, bio-resorbable anchor, connecting, and retaining elements that stabilize and protect the natural ligament during the healing phase, allowing the natural ligament to regain its function without the need for a second surgery to remove the implant, by using materials like magnesium and bio-compatible polymers that degrade over time, providing continuous tension for ligament growth and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent synthetic ligament replacement is used, then joint stability is restored, but sensitivity is lost and stability is lost again over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a temporary ligament replacement system made of bio-resorbable materials that provides joint stability during the critical healing period and then naturally degrades, transferring function back to the healed natural ligament. This avoids the long-term complications of permanent synthetic implants while ensuring adequate support when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with changing properties over time - specifically, bio-resorbable materials that maintain mechanical strength initially and then gradually degrade. This parameter change allows the implant to provide stable support during healing while automatically reducing its presence as the natural ligament recovers, preventing long-term instability.
2Reliability
If a permanent implant is used, then joint stability is maintained, but a second surgery is required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a temporary implant system that is intentionally designed to be discarded by the body through natural degradation. The bio-resorbable materials break down into harmless byproducts that the body can eliminate, automatically removing the implant without requiring a second surgical procedure, thus recovering the patient from additional surgical trauma.
3Reliability
If conservative therapy with ligament reconstruction is used, then self-healing tendency is utilized, but controlled loading and protection from overloading is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary ligament replacement system as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between complete ligament rupture and natural healing. This mediator provides the necessary mechanical strength and controlled loading conditions during the vulnerable healing period, protecting the regenerating natural ligament from overloading while maintaining joint functionality.
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 system ensures stable and complete healing of the natural ligament without permanent implantation, promoting uniform and rapid healing by transferring the stabilizing effect to the natural ligament, eliminating the need for additional surgery and maintaining joint stability and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
the anchor element and/or the connecting element and/or the retaining element comprise self-dissolving, bio-resorbable material
Implementation Method 2
self-dissolving, bio-resorbable material... which degrade over time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlled loading of a reconstructed human or animal tissue during the healing phase, comprising an anchor element (10) for implanting in a first bone (50), at least one connecting element (20), and one retaining element (30) for the at least one connecting element (20) on a second bone (40). The anchor element (10) and/or the connecting element (20) and/or the retaining element (30) are made of self-dissolving bioresorbable material.