Fenestrated Bone Screw with Insert for Targeted Medicine Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for delivering substances to bones, such as medicaments, lack customization and control over delivery location and amount, especially for specific areas like fracture interfaces, and cannot direct delivery without altering the bone screw's configuration.
Innovation Solution
A cannulated bone screw with fenestrations and inserts that allow for selective substance delivery to specific areas, using a reservoir and pump for regulated delivery, enabling customization and control during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional metal delivery pins or needles are used to deliver medication to bone, then delivery can be achieved, but customization for specific delivery areas is difficult and the device cannot serve as fixation screw
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a fixation device to hold bone pieces together and as a delivery device for medications or therapeutics. The screw body includes a lumen for substance delivery, and the distal end can be configured with openings or porous structures to enable targeted delivery to specific bone areas such as fracture interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is nested within the bone screw structure itself. The lumen is embedded in the screw body, and the substance delivery pathway is integrated into the screw's internal architecture. This allows the delivery mechanism to be contained within the fixation screw without requiring separate external delivery devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bone screws are adapted to deliver substances to bone interior, then delivery capability is achieved, but customization of delivery location and amount is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow the operator to control and regulate substance delivery in real-time. The proximal end of the screw includes a substance delivery opening that can be selectively opened or closed, and the lumen may include adjustable features that allow control over the amount and timing of substance release during the surgical procedure.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration bone screws are used for substance delivery, then manufacturing is simplified, but delivery direction to specific areas cannot be changed without altering screw location
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw features non-uniform structural properties along its length, with specific regions designed for different functions. The distal end includes openings or porous structures for substance delivery, while the shaft provides structural support. This localized differentiation allows the screw to maintain a standardized overall configuration for easy manufacturing while enabling targeted delivery to specific bone areas through the strategically positioned distal openings.
Data Source
AI summary
Fenestrated bone screws and inserts disposed therein are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.