Compliant Polymer Hinge Joint Implant for Arthritis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hinge joint implants are invasive, cause discomfort, and fail to restore natural joint kinematics, leading to pain and limited mobility, especially in small joints like fingers and toes, with high revision rates and bone absorption issues.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive, self-lubricating, compliant implant designed to fit between articulating surfaces, allowing motion solely within the device, preserving natural joint kinematics and ligaments, and manufactured using rapid prototyping techniques to ensure precise fit and minimal bone reshaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge joint implants are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but bone absorption, implant loosening, and osteophyte formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metal mechanical implants with a compliant polymer implant that deforms elastically under load. This substitution of mechanical system changes the interaction mechanism from rigid contact to compliant deformation, eliminating stress shielding and bone resorption while maintaining joint function and implant stability.
2Reliability
If metal hinged implants are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but residual metal is transferred to the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material approach by using a compliant polymer rather than metal, thereby eliminating metal transfer to bloodstream while maintaining implant durability through the polymer's wear resistance and mechanical properties.
3Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used for implant insertion, then joint replacement is achieved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed as a segmented structure with multiple lobes that can be inserted through a minimally invasive approach. The segmented design allows the implant to be delivered through a small incision and then deployed within the joint space, reducing surgical trauma while restoring joint function.
4Reliability
If existing implants are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but natural joint kinematics are not restored
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features a dynamic design where the compliant polymer deforms elastically in response to joint movement, allowing the implant to adapt to the natural kinematics of the joint. This dynamic compliance restores natural joint movement patterns while maintaining stability through the polymer's elastic properties.
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
The implant reduces trauma, recovery time, and risk of complications, maintaining joint integrity and mobility, suitable for all ages, and can be used under local anesthesia, effectively treating small joint arthritis with low friction and no external wear, thus improving quality of life.
Implementation Method 1
self-lubricating, compliant implant designed to fit between articulating surfaces, allowing motion solely within the device
Implementation Method 2
self-lubricating, compliant implant designed to fit between articulating surfaces, allowing motion solely within the device
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~5A
Figure 5B~6H
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a hinge joint implant (40) configured to fit in a joint cavity and which can comprise, when in situ, an at least hemi-spherocylindrical configuration, and further a hinge joint implant configured to fit in a joint cavity wherein the implant can extend around the sides of a joint component which may be a bone and/or cartilage. The invention further provides the use of a hinge joint implant according for treating arthritis, and/or torn cartilage, and a method for manufacturing a hinge joint implant from one or more pieces.