Composite Biodegradable Fixation Device with Differential Degradation Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biodegradable fixation devices often lack structural integrity and are difficult to drive into bone or tissue without damage, as they are soft and may not provide sufficient support for tissue integration.
Innovation Solution
A composite fixation device made from a first biodegradable material with at least one channel containing a second biodegradable material that degrades faster, providing enhanced structural integrity and allowing for tissue integration over time by creating openings for bone and tissue growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If biodegradable fixation devices are made softer to allow tissue integration, then adaptability improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a composite structure combining two biodegradable materials with different degradation rates: a slower-degrading material (e.g., poly-L-lactide) for structural integrity and a faster-degrading material (e.g., poly-D,L-lactide or gelatin) for tissue integration. This composite approach allows the device to maintain strength while enabling tissue ingrowth through controlled material degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates channels or porous regions with specific local properties (filled with faster-degrading material) within the broader structure. These localized areas promote tissue integration while the surrounding slower-degrading material maintains overall structural support, creating different functional zones within a single device.
2Ease of operation
If biodegradable fixation devices are made softer to facilitate driving into bone, then ease of operation improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure provides optimal balance: the slower-degrading material ensures sufficient strength for driving into bone without damage, while the faster-degrading material in channels allows controlled softening and tissue integration after implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device has heterogeneous properties: harder slower-degrading material in load-bearing regions for structural integrity, and softer faster-degrading material in channels for ease of insertion and tissue integration, combining advantages of both material types in appropriate locations.
3Ease of operation
If biodegradable fixation devices are made hollow to provide surface area for engagement, then ease of operation improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device features hollow channels with specific local functions (driver engagement and tissue integration) embedded within a solid slower-degrading material matrix. This creates localized hollow regions for operational advantages while maintaining overall structural integrity through the surrounding solid material.
Solution Approach 2:
The faster-degrading material is nested within channels of the slower-degrading material structure. The hollow channels are embedded in the solid matrix, allowing the device to have internal cavities for driver engagement while the external and structural integrity is maintained by the surrounding slower-degrading material.
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 composite device offers improved structural integrity and promotes tissue integration, anchoring the device in place as the faster degrading material creates openings for bone and tissue to grow into the slower degrading material, enhancing the device's stability and integration with surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 1
at least one channel defined therein which includes a second biodegradable material, wherein the second biodegradable material degrades faster than the first biodegradable material
Data Source
AI summary
A composite fixation device is described herein which includes a first and second biodegradable material. The first and second biodegradable materials degrade at different rates thereby permitting tissue ingrowth into the device prior to degradation of the entire device.