Hybrid PEEK-Titanium Bone Fixation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation devices, particularly those made of stainless steel or titanium, are not radiolucent and can cause x-ray or MRI artifacts, which can lead to observation mistakes during spinal procedures, while materials like PEEK have low shear and torsion strengths.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation device comprising a radiolucent anchor member made of PEEK or similar material, combined with a metal insert member for enhanced strength, and a radiopaque marker to minimize imaging artifacts, allowing clear visualization during surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stainless steel or titanium screws are used, then strength is improved, but radiolucency deteriorates causing x-ray or MRI artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining PEEK material with a metal insert. The PEEK matrix provides radiolucency while the metal insert (stainless steel or titanium) embedded within it provides the necessary shear and torsion strength. This composite approach allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal insert is strategically placed only in regions requiring enhanced strength (such as the screw tip and load-bearing areas), while the remainder of the screw body is made of radiolucent PEEK material. This localized application of metal properties minimizes artifact generation while providing strength where needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PEEK material is used, then radiolucency is improved, but strength deteriorates with low shear and torsion strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The PEEK material serves as the base matrix providing radiolucency, while a metal insert is incorporated to provide the missing shear and torsion strength. This composite structure allows the PEEK to maintain its radiolucent properties while gaining mechanical reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material composition parameters by combining PEEK with metal insert, thereby altering the mechanical properties (increasing shear and torsion strength) while maintaining the radiolucent characteristic essential for imaging.
3Strength
If metal screws are used, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in visualizing implant position
Solution Approach 1:
The composite construction with radiolucent PEEK material allows surgical visualization of implant position and orientation, while the embedded metal insert ensures sufficient torsion strength for secure bone fixation. This resolves the conflict between visibility and mechanical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiolucent PEEK material allows x-ray and MRI penetration, enabling clear visualization of the implant's position and the surrounding bone structure during and after surgery, unlike opaque metal materials that create artifacts.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic bone fixation device including an anchor member having a cavity and an insert member. The anchor member retains the insert member at least partially or entirely in the cavity. The insert member has an insert aperture for accommodating part of a screwdriver or other device.