Partially Insulated Bone Screw for Targeted Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for stimulating bone growth and tissue healing, such as using wire electrodes and screws, face issues like electrode failure, imprecise placement, energy inefficiency, and potential adverse effects on untargeted tissue areas, while also lacking adaptability to changing tissue environments and being prone to complications like loosening and infection.
Innovation Solution
A system and apparatus utilizing a partially insulated screw with a varying insulating coating to direct a controlled direct current (D.C.) for targeted bone growth and tissue healing, featuring a D.C. battery and controller for precise temporal and spatial control of current flow, allowing for focused electrical stimulation and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire electrodes are used for electrical stimulation, then bone growth can be stimulated, but the electrodes are susceptible to failure and require additional surgery for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode function with the bone screw structure into a single integrated component. The screw itself serves as the electrode, eliminating the need for separate wire electrodes that are prone to failure. This merging of functions resolves the reliability issue by using a robust, implantable screw structure that is part of the standard bone fixation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone screw is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical fixation of bone fragments and electrical stimulation for bone growth. By making the screw multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for separate electrode components that would require repair, while maintaining both mechanical stability and electrical stimulation capability throughout the healing process.
2Force
If conventional screws are used for mechanical fixation, then bone movement can be limited, but they do not provide electrical stimulation capability and are prone to loosening and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical fixation function of conventional screws with the electrical stimulation function of electrodes. The resulting multi-functional screw provides both mechanical stability to prevent loosening and electrical stimulation to promote bone growth and reduce infection risk, resolving the reliability issues of conventional single-function screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw is designed as a universal component that simultaneously performs mechanical fixation and electrical stimulation. This multi-functionality addresses the limitations of conventional screws by adding biological activation capabilities while maintaining mechanical integrity, thereby improving overall reliability and reducing complications.
3Productivity
If electrical current is applied through untargeted areas, then bone growth can be stimulated, but adverse effects occur on untargeted tissue areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform insulating coatings on specific portions of the screw surface. This allows electrical current to be directed only at targeted bone interfaces where stimulation is needed, while insulating coatings prevent current flow into adjacent untargeted tissues, thereby eliminating adverse effects while maintaining effective bone growth stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw surface is segmented into conductive and insulating regions through selective coating application. This segmentation enables precise spatial control of electrical current distribution, confining stimulation to specific bone-screw interface areas and preventing harmful current exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
4Reliability
If more energy is provided to electrodes for optimal effectiveness, then bone growth stimulation is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By applying insulating coatings to specific portions of the screw, the patent concentrates electrical current flow into targeted areas where it is most effective for bone growth. This localized current delivery achieves optimal stimulation effectiveness while minimizing total energy consumption, thereby extending battery life without compromising therapeutic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies electrical stimulation only to the minimum necessary portions of the bone-screw interface through selective insulation. This partial action approach provides sufficient stimulation for effective bone growth while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would shorten battery life, achieving an optimal balance between effectiveness and energy efficiency.
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 solution enables efficient and targeted stimulation of bone growth and tissue healing with reduced adverse effects, improved patient mobility, and extended battery life, while minimizing complications associated with conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
directing a controlled direct current (D.C.) for targeted bone growth and tissue healing
Implementation Method 2
partially insulated screw with a varying insulating coating to direct a controlled direct current
Data Source
AI summary
A system to deliver current to an area of interest of a subject is described that includes a power source, a controller electrically coupled to the power source, at least one first electrode electrically coupled to the controller, and at least one second electrode electrically coupled to one of the power source and the controller, with the area of interest positioned between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. A method of stimulating at least one of bone growth, tissue healing and pain control within an area of interest of a patient is described that includes inserting first and second electrode spaced at a predetermined distance, and further includes directing an electric current between the first and second electrodes so that at least a portion of the electric current passes through the area of interest positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.