Bone Density-Matched Orthopedic Implants to Reduce Stress Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic implants are not customized to match the bone density of the patient, leading to increased failure rates and poor surgical outcomes due to mechanical mismatch between the implant and surrounding bone, particularly in osteoporotic patients.
Innovation Solution
Development of orthopedic implants with variable stiffness designs that match the patient's bone density, using materials such as metal, plastic, or titanium, and manufactured through methods like 3-D printing, with kits containing multiple implants of varying densities for selection based on DEXA scan T-scores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard orthopedic implants are used for all patients regardless of bone density, then manufacturing and surgical procedures are simplified, but implant failure rate increases and surgical outcomes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the density of orthopedic implants to match patient-specific bone density characteristics. Implants are manufactured with different density parameters based on DEXA scan T-scores, transforming a one-size-fits-all approach into a customized solution that improves reliability without requiring complex surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating implants with non-uniform density distributions that match the local bone quality at different implantation sites. The implant density is tailored to match osteopenic, osteoporotic, or healthy bone characteristics at specific locations, allowing the implant to adapt to local bone conditions rather than using a uniform structure
2Strength
If implants with higher stiffness are used to ensure structural strength, then implant strength is improved, but stress shielding increases and bone resorption is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stiffness parameter of implants by adjusting their density to match patient bone density. By reducing implant stiffness in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis, the implant transfers less load away from the bone, thereby reducing stress shielding effects while maintaining sufficient structural strength through optimized density matching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by matching the mechanical properties of the implant to the surrounding bone tissue. When implant density and stiffness are homogeneous with the patient's bone density, stress distribution becomes more uniform, preventing the harmful stress shielding effect that occurs with stiffer, mismatched implants
3Reliability
If DEXA scans are performed and implants are customized to match bone density, then surgical outcomes are improved, but treatment time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining DEXA scans and determining bone density T-scores before the orthopedic surgical procedure. This allows the surgeon to select the appropriate implant density in advance, streamlining the surgical process rather than requiring complex intraoperative decisions or adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of a simplified selection process where the surgeon matches the patient's DEXA T-score to a corresponding implant density category. This systematic approach transforms complex customization into a straightforward parameter-matching procedure that reduces decision time during surgery
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient in need of an orthopedic implant is described. The method includes obtaining the T-score or bone density of the patient's native bone at a site of implantation, said T-score or bone density being determined by a DEXA scan or other means of determining a T-score or bone density. The method further includes selecting an orthopedic implant that has about the same density as the native bone at the site of implantation, and implanting the orthopedic implant at the site of implantation.