Fenestrated Bone Screw Insert System for Localized Medicant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for delivering substances to bones lack customization and control over delivery location and amount, especially for specific areas within a bone, and do not effectively serve as both fixation screws and substance delivery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bone-screw insert system where the bone screws are fenestrated and cannulated, allowing for selective delivery of substances through fenestrations, with inserts that can be positioned internally or externally to customize the delivery pathway based on the bone's configuration, and optionally include a reservoir and pump for regulated substance delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional delivery pins or needles are used to deliver medication to bone, then substance delivery capability is provided, but customization of delivery location and amount is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is placed inside the bone screw, creating a nested structure where the insert provides customizable substance delivery functionality while the outer screw provides fixation. This allows the delivery mechanism to be customized independently of the fixation component.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into two separate components: the bone screw for fixation and the insert for substance delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the insert being customizable for different delivery locations and amounts while the screw provides standard fixation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bone screws are adapted to deliver substances, then fixation capability is provided, but delivery location control and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The insert can be positioned at different locations within the bone screw and oriented at different angles, allowing dynamic adjustment of the delivery pathway to target specific bone areas. The fenestrations in both the screw and insert can be aligned in various configurations to control delivery location.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert provides localized substance delivery through specific fenestrations that can be selectively aligned with fenestrations in the bone screw. This allows substance delivery to be concentrated at specific local areas within the bone, such as the fracture interface, rather than diffuse delivery throughout the entire bone.
3Ease of operation
If fenestrated bone screws are used for substance delivery, then delivery pathway is established, but selective control over which areas receive substance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insert nested within the bone screw provides an additional layer of control for selective substance delivery. By positioning the insert with its fenestrations aligned with specific fenestrations in the screw, selective control over which bone areas receive substance is achieved. The nested structure allows independent optimization of both components.
Data Source
AI summary
Bone screws and inserts disposed therein or thereon are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, or to promote bony fusion, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.