Implant Fixation Assembly with Biasing Member for Bone Recession
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant fixation methods face challenges with bone recession over time, leading to loosening of implants due to compressive and frictional forces, making it difficult to re-secure the implant without causing further bone deterioration or medical complications.
Innovation Solution
An implant fixation assembly comprising a first member, a stem, a biasing member, and a tensioner, where the biasing member biases the stem toward a bone-engagement surface, and a tensioner pre-tensions the biasing member to secure the implant to the bone, with an anchoring mechanism to prevent movement and maintain engagement despite bone erosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fasteners or frictional engagement are used to secure the implant, then initial fixation is achieved, but the bone recedes over time causing the implant to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device incorporates a biasing member that dynamically maintains continuous contact pressure between the bone-engagement surface and the bone. This dynamic mechanism compensates for bone recession by continuously applying force to maintain engagement, transforming the static fixation problem into a dynamic solution that adapts to bone changes over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member ensures continuous loading and contact between the implant and bone throughout the healing process and long-term use. This continuous action prevents the implant from loosening by maintaining constant engagement pressure, eliminating the intermittent contact that leads to failure in conventional designs.
2Reliability
If additional attachment efforts are applied to re-secure the implant, then fixation may be improved, but the bone quality deteriorates and medical complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a biasing member that pre-applies continuous contact pressure during the initial implantation. This preliminary action ensures proper bone integration and engagement from the start, eliminating the need for subsequent aggressive attachment efforts that would damage the bone. The continuous loading begins immediately and prevents the need for re-operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bone recedes at the interface, then movement occurs preventing bone growth, but conventional methods cannot effectively re-secure the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is designed to automatically maintain engagement between the implant and bone through its inherent elastic properties. The system is self-regulating and does not require external intervention or surgical re-operation to maintain stability. The continuous loading mechanism self-compensates for bone recession, making the system self-sustaining throughout the patient's life.
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
The assembly effectively secures the implant to the bone by maintaining continuous engagement with the bone surface, preventing loosening and allowing for stable integration even as the bone recedes, thus ensuring long-term stability and reducing the risk of medical complications.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member biases a distal portion of the stem toward the bone-engagement surface
Implementation Method 2
The tensioner pre-tensions the biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
An implant fixation assembly for securing an implant to a bone includes a first member, a stem, a biasing member and a tensioner. The first member includes a bone-engagement surface. The stem extends from the first member for insertion into a bore formed in the bone. The biasing member biases a distal portion of the stem toward the bone-engagement surface. The tensioner pre-tensions the biasing member.