Bone Implant Design via 3D Anatomical Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fitting bone implants lack efficiency and precision, which can hinder the healing process and cause discomfort to patients due to improper fitting.

Innovation Solution

A computing device-based application that allows medical professionals to design and manufacture bone implants using three-dimensional software, enabling precise fitting and manufacturing of implants tailored to individual anatomical structures, using biocompatible materials like titanium and PEEK.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If current manual methods are used for fitting bone implants, then the process is simple to perform, but the precision and accuracy of implant fitting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant fitting precisionVSAvoiddesign process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional copy of the patient's bone anatomy using imaging data (CT or MRI scans). This digital replica allows for precise measurement, planning, and simulation of implant placement without physically manipulating the actual bone, thereby achieving high fitting precision while keeping the physical intervention minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and fitting methods with computer-based digital modeling and virtual surgical planning software. This substitution of mechanical processes with computational methods enables precise control over implant dimensions and positioning, significantly improving fitting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If custom-designed bone implants are manufactured for each patient, then the fitting accuracy improves, but the manufacturing time and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant fitting accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs all design measurements, virtual trial placements, and implant customization in advance during a pre-surgical planning phase. By completing the design work before the actual surgery, the system eliminates time-consuming adjustments during the surgical procedure itself, thereby reducing overall treatment time while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows for rapid modification of implant parameters (dimensions, shape, positioning) through software control rather than physical rework. This digital parameter adjustment capability enables quick iterations and optimizations of the implant design without adding significant manufacturing time, as changes can be made and visualized instantly in the virtual model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2941216B1Method for designing and manufacturing a bone implant
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC
  • EP2941216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2941216B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2941216B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An anatomical implant application, such as a bone implant application for instance, can receive an anatomical image that is representative of an anatomical structure. The anatomical implant application can generate an implant image that is associated with the anatomical structure. The generated implant image can define an inner surface that faces the anatomical image. A plurality of distances can be determined from respective locations of the inner surface of the implant image to the anatomical image in respective straight lines. The distances may represent a superimposition of the implant image over the anatomical image. The distances may be compared to a tolerance. The inner surface may be repositioned so as to change at least the select one of the distances. An implant, such as a bone implant for instance, may be fabricated in accordance with data that is associated with the implant image.