Interlocking Femoral Neck Implant for Prophylactic Fracture Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack devices and methods for prophylactically strengthening the femoral neck to prevent hip fractures, particularly in the elderly population, where osteoporosis compromises the strength of the hip joint, leading to significant morbidity and medical costs.

Innovation Solution

A medical device comprising a first member inserted into the femoral neck and a second member positioned at an oblique angle in the femur shaft, with interlocking engagement and optional flowable material infusion through lumens and openings to enhance bone strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fracture treatment methods are used, then fracture repair can be achieved, but prophylactic strengthening of the femoral neck is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture preventionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is inserted into the femoral neck before a fracture occurs to prevent it. The first component is positioned within the femoral neck and the second component within the femoral shaft, creating prophylactic strengthening that reinforces the bone structure before trauma occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is divided into two separate components: a first component inserted into the femoral neck and a second component inserted into the femoral shaft. These components are mechanically connected through interlocking engagement, allowing each component to be optimally positioned and secured independently within the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the femoral neck is left untreated, then the device remains simple, but the bone strength is compromised due to osteoporosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone strengthVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant utilizes two distinct components made of biocompatible materials that work together to strengthen the femur. The first and second components are mechanically connected to form a composite structure that distributes and reinforces loads across the weakened osteoporotic bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The implant provides localized strengthening where it is most needed - within the femoral neck and shaft regions affected by osteoporosis. The components are positioned to specifically reinforce the weakened bone structure without requiring modification of the entire bone or surrounding healthy tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a single component implant is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot provide adequate mechanical stability in the femoral neck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second component is inserted at an oblique angle relative to the first component, creating a three-dimensional interlocking structure. This angular arrangement provides mechanical stability in multiple directions and prevents rotation or displacement that would occur with a single linear component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12496106B2Devices, methods and systems for remedying or preventing fractures

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 HYPREVENTION

AI summary

Devices, methods and systems for remedying or preventing fractures of the bone are disclosed. The devices, and corresponding methods and systems, may include first and second members each having a proximal end, a distal end and a middle portion and an outer surface. The first member may be configured to be positioned at least partially within the femoral neck of the femur. The second member may be configured to be oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first member and mechanically engaged with the first member through an interlocking connection between the distal end of the second member and the middle portion or the distal end of the first member.