Collagen Meniscus Cap With Polymer Skeleton For Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meniscus repair techniques, such as suturing with collagen membranes, are complex and lack sufficient early post-operative stabilization, limiting their effectiveness in treating meniscus injuries, especially in degenerative cases where meniscus volume reduction occurs.
Innovation Solution
A collagen meniscus cap formed by two collagen membrane plates connected by a flexible hinge and a bio-absorbable polymer skeleton, created using 3D printing technology, providing mechanical stabilization and a scaffold for cell regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suturing with collagen membrane is used, then biological regeneration is improved, but mechanical stabilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines collagen membrane (biological component) with polymer material (synthetic component) to create a composite structure. The collagen membrane provides biological regeneration properties while the polymer skeleton provides mechanical strength and stabilization, resolving the contradiction between biological effectiveness and mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The meniscus repair device is divided into two functional segments: a collagen membrane layer for biological regeneration and a polymer skeleton structure for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
2Reliability
If complex suturing techniques are used, then repair effectiveness is improved, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (suturing, stabilization, and regeneration support) into a single integrated implant structure. This eliminates the need for separate suturing steps and multiple components, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining or improving repair effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The collagen-polymer composite implant performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, mechanical stabilization, and a scaffold for biological regeneration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate procedures or materials needed, thereby reducing surgical complexity.
3Reliability
If collagen membrane alone is used, then biological compatibility is improved, but structural support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite material system where collagen provides biological compatibility and the polymer provides structural strength. This composite approach allows both requirements to be met simultaneously without compromising either biological integration or mechanical support.
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
Facilitates easier surgery, enhances mechanical stability, restores meniscus shape, and supports regeneration by providing a site for cell implantation and volume increase, particularly in degenerative injuries, with proven safety for both humans and animals.
Implementation Method 1
placed on a bracing polymer skeleton
Implementation Method 2
connected by a flexible hinge
Implementation Method 3
a tissue glue is used to cover the edges of the inner curvature of both plates of the collagen membrane to the inner outline of the polymer printout
Implementation Method 4
created using 3D printing technology
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a collagen meniscus cap, in particular for the covering of a human meniscus and a method for producing a collagen meniscus cap. The collagen meniscus cap is used in orthopaedics for the treatment of meniscuses in humans and in veterinary medicine for the treatment of meniscus injuries in animals.The collagen meniscus cap is formed by a set of two plates 1 in the shape of lateral or medial meniscus, each in the form of a layer of collagen membrane, placed on a bracing polymer skeleton 2, connected by a flexible hinge 3, whereas the thickness of the collagen membrane is within the range of H (0.4-09) mm, advantageously 0.6 mm, and the thickness of the polymer layer is within the range of h (0.2-06) mm, advantageously 0.45 mm, and the polymer skeleton 2 has the shape of intersecting segments which form a mesh.A method for the production of a collagen meniscus cap consists of bio-absorbable and/or bio-degradable material being used to create, advantageously in a 3D technology by printing directly over collagen membrane, two polymer skeletons 2 with the shape of the lateral or medial meniscus and its mirror reflection, permanently connecting the polymer with collagen membrane, after which the connected plates 1 are cut until the shape of the lateral or medial meniscus, advantageously with a guillotine, then the cut collagen membrane plates 1 are folded together so that the inner edges of the plates 1 overlap and collagen membranes are placed on each other, then a tissue glue is used to cover the edges of the inner curvature 4 of both plates 1 of the collagen membrane to the inner outline of the polymer printout, and in turn the inner edges are glued together to create a hinge 3 of the collagen meniscus cap, after which the set is dried in ambient temperature to obtain the effect of gluing together.