Fenestrated Bone Implants for Rotation-Resistant Sacroiliac Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bone fixation and fusion methods, particularly for the sacroiliac joint, involve large incisions, tissue trauma, and implants prone to rotation and loosening, leading to potential failure and the need for revision surgeries.

Innovation Solution

Development of bone implants with noncircular cross-sectional profiles, such as triangular or curved designs, along with fenestrations and ribs, to resist rotation and facilitate minimally invasive implantation, using tools like broaches and guidewires to create matching insertion paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw type implants are used for sacroiliac fusion, then fixation is achieved, but the implants are susceptible to rotation and loosening under torsional forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant fixation stabilityVSAvoidimplant rotation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The implant employs a non-circular cross-sectional profile with asymmetric geometry featuring at least one apex and corresponding flat surfaces. This asymmetric design creates inherent resistance to rotational forces by preventing the implant from rotating within the bone cavity, directly addressing the rotation susceptibility of conventional circular screw implants under torsional loading conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If large incisions are used to approach the SI-Joint for fusion, then complete access to the joint is achieved, but significant tissue trauma and pain occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint access completenessVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant system enables segmented or staged insertion through minimally invasive pathways, allowing the procedure to be divided into smaller access points rather than requiring a single large incision. The implant can be inserted through multiple small openings or guided through a curved insertion path that avoids large tissue disruptions, reducing overall tissue trauma while maintaining surgical effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional straight implants are used, then simple insertion is achieved, but the implants cannot accommodate curved insertion paths in the bone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinsertion path adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The implant incorporates a curved longitudinal profile that matches the natural curvature of the sacroiliac joint anatomy and the curved insertion path through the bone. This curved geometry allows the implant to be inserted along a predetermined curved trajectory, accommodating the three-dimensional anatomical constraints while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized curved forming processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12453563B2Implants for bone fixation or fusion

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SI BONE INC

AI summary

Implants for the fusion or fixation of two bone segments are described. For example, the implants can be used for the fusion or fixation of the sacroiliac joint. The implants can include fenestrations, have a rectilinear overall cross-sectional area, and have a curvature. Some implants can also be used to rescue failed implants.