Partially Decalcified Cortical Bone Spinal Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intervertebral disc implants made from compact cancellous bone are not pliable, in short supply, and insufficient to meet the needs of patients requiring spinal fusion, leading to postoperative flat back deformity and sagittal imbalance.
Innovation Solution
Development of an allogeneic or xenogeneic implant with partially decalcified bone that is pliable and compressible, featuring tubular apertures for decalcification and filled with osteogenic or chondrogenic materials, designed to promote bone ingrowth and maintain spinal curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If allogeneic compact cancellous bone is used as implant material, then bone ingrowth is promoted, but supply is insufficient and quality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by partially decalcifying cortical bone to alter its physical and chemical properties. This transforms rigid cortical bone into a pliable, compressible material that mimics the properties of cancellous bone, thereby providing sufficient supply while maintaining bone ingrowth promotion capabilities through controlled mineral content reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining partially decalcified cortical bone with various filler materials such as demineralized bone matrix, bone morphogenetic proteins, and other osteogenic substances. This composite approach enhances the biological activity and osteoinductivity of the implant while ensuring adequate supply
2Reliability
If compact cancellous bone is used for implants, then bone ingrowth is promoted, but the material is not pliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the physical parameters of cortical bone through partial decalcification, removing approximately 30-70% of the mineral content. This parameter change transforms the material from rigid and brittle to pliable and compressible, enabling it to adapt to surgical positioning while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support bone ingrowth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic properties to the implant material by making it pliable and compressible. The partially decalcified bone can be compressed during implantation to fit the desired spacing between vertebrae, then gradually expands and stabilizes, providing adaptive mechanical support that evolves with the healing process
3Strength
If cortical bone is used for implants, then structural strength is provided, but it lacks compressibility for disc replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies precise parameter changes by controlling the degree of decalcification to achieve optimal balance between strength and compressibility. By removing 30-70% of mineral content, the bone retains enough collagen framework to provide structural strength while gaining the compressibility needed for intervertebral disc replacement functionality
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 provides a pliable and compressible solution for intervertebral disc replacement, addressing the supply issues and promoting bone ingrowth, thereby reducing the risk of flat back deformity and improving spinal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The body may be formed of partially decalcified bone and may extend along a longitudinal axis between a superior face and an inferior face
Data Source
AI summary
An allogeneic or xenogeneic implant for intervertebral disc replacement includes a body. The body may include one or both of a plurality of grooves or tubular apertures. The body may be formed of partially decalcified bone. The plurality of tubular apertures may be defined within the body and be positioned to allow inflow of decalcifying solutions for rapid and uniform decalcification. After partial decalcification, the body may be pliable and compressible.