Bore Hole Implant Frame for Bone Flap Fixation and Healing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for filling bore holes in bone, such as those created during surgical procedures, often fail to promote healing and provide adequate fixation of bone flaps, with existing implants either not inducing tissue healing or lacking sufficient osteoconductive support.
Innovation Solution
The development of bore hole implants comprising a biocompatible plate and a support structure with inner and outer frames, featuring adjustable outer support frames with retention eyelets for securement to bone, and angled or curved support members to prevent fracturing and enhance cement adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal mesh is used to fill bore holes, then structural support is provided, but tissue healing is not induced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant combines metal mesh with biocompatible cement materials to create a composite structure that provides both mechanical support and promotes tissue healing. The metal mesh framework offers structural integrity while the cement material fills gaps and creates an osteoconductive environment for bone regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal mesh is designed with a porous structure that allows tissue ingrowth and vascularization. The porosity enables bone cells to migrate into the implant structure and establish blood supply, thereby inducing tissue healing while maintaining structural support.
2Reliability
If ceramic materials are used to fill bore holes, then osteoconductive support is provided, but fixation of bone flap is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The implant combines ceramic materials with metal components to create a composite structure. The ceramic provides osteoconductive properties for bone growth while the metal framework offers mechanical strength for bone flap fixation. The two materials work synergistically to address both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the implant have different material properties optimized for specific functions. The ceramic portions are positioned where osteoconduction is needed, while metal portions are positioned where mechanical fixation is required. This local differentiation allows each material to excel at its intended function.
3Device complexity
If bore holes are left untreated, then surgical complexity is reduced, but skull protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-formed with an optimal geometry that matches the bore hole shape, allowing for straightforward insertion without complex preparation steps. The pre-designed structure eliminates the need for intricate surgical maneuvers while still providing effective protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the bone flap and the skull. It provides a simple yet effective solution by filling the bore hole and securing the bone flap, thereby restoring skull protection without requiring complex surgical procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If straight support members are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but fracture prevention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with curved or angled geometries rather than straight lines. This curvature distributes mechanical stresses more effectively throughout the implant structure, reducing stress concentration points that could lead to fractures. The curved design also better conforms to the natural anatomy of the skull.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members incorporate angled configurations that allow for dynamic load distribution. The angles are optimized to redirect forces away from critical stress points and distribute them across stronger regions of the implant, enhancing fracture prevention while remaining manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant for at least partially filling a bore hole in a bone includes a biocompatible plate and a support structure. The support structure has a ring-shaped inner support frame having an outer surface defining the outer diameter of the inner support frame and an inner surface, and an outer support frame having a plurality of fastening points adapted for attaching the implant to bone surrounding a bore hole in which the plate is inserted. The outer support frame is connected to and extends away from the outer surface of the inner support frame. A method of forming the implant is also provided.