Flat Plate Bone Lengthening Implant With Non-Invasive Lead Screw Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distraction osteogenesis devices are limited by their size and shape, restricting the implantation site and procedure capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable implant system with a first portion coupled to a bone segment and a second portion that axially translates relative to the first, driven by a drive assembly and lead screw mechanism, allowing for controlled distraction and compression through external control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional distraction osteogenesis devices are used, then bone lengthening can be achieved, but the device size and shape limit implantation site selection and procedure capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second portion is disposed within the first portion, and the lead screw is rotatably coupled within the first portion. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while maintaining functional capabilities, allowing the implant to fit into constrained anatomical spaces that traditional larger devices cannot access.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional portions: a first portion for coupling to the first bone segment, a second portion for coupling to the second bone segment, and a drive assembly with lead screw mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the device to adapt to different implantation sites by configuring the portions according to specific anatomical requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional distraction osteogenesis devices are used, then bone segments can be distracted apart, but manual adjustment requires invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with a drive assembly that converts rotational motion into axial translation through a lead screw mechanism. This automated mechanical system eliminates the need for invasive manual adjustments, allowing non-invasive control of bone segment distraction while maintaining precise mechanical control through the coupled rotational-to-linear motion conversion.
3Manufacturing precision
If a lead screw mechanism is used for precise adjustment, then controlled distraction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive assembly and lead screw mechanism into a single integrated unit disposed within the first portion of the device. By combining the rotational drive mechanism with the lead screw in one compact assembly, the patent achieves precise control over distraction while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity compared to separate distributed mechanisms.
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
Enables precise, non-invasive adjustment of bone lengthening and compression, facilitating controlled bone growth and overcoming limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw disposed at least partially within the first and second portions along the second axis. The lead screw is rotatably coupled to the drive assembly such that rotational motion about the first axis drives rotational motion of the lead screw about the second axis, thereby causing the second portion to axially translate along the second axis relative to the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an adjustable implant configured to non-invasively guide bone growth in a patient. The adjustable implant includes a first portion configured to couple to a first bone segment and a second portion at least partially disposed within the first portion and configured to couple to a second bone segment. The adjustable implant includes a drive assembly configured to be transcutaneously actuated, and to drive rotation of a gear assembly configured to rotate about a first axis, and drive axial translation of the second portion along a second axis. Non-invasive actuation of the drive assembly therefore causes the adjustable implant to distract or retract along the second axis.