Intercondylar Bearing Device for Knee Joint Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with advanced end-stage arthritis, particularly those who are non-ambulatory or minimally ambulatory, often cannot undergo traditional total knee replacement due to medical conditions or body habit, necessitating a joint preservation method that reduces pain and minimizes narcotic analgesic use.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive procedure involving the placement of an axially aligned monoarticular intercondylar bearing device with bone ingrowth components, which distracts the knee joint by excising the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and using a Morse taper to connect femoral and tibial prosthetic bearing components, allowing joint motion while preserving natural surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional total knee replacement is performed, then joint function is restored, but it cannot be performed on patients with certain medical conditions or body habit
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing device is divided into separate femoral and tibial components that can be independently implanted, allowing the procedure to be adapted to patients who are not suitable for traditional total knee replacement. The segmentation enables a less invasive approach that avoids the complexities of full joint replacement while still achieving joint preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The procedure applies local intervention by placing bearings only in specific regions of the knee joint (femoral and tibial bearing surfaces) rather than replacing the entire joint. This localized approach makes the procedure suitable for patients with certain medical conditions who cannot undergo comprehensive joint replacement.
2Reliability
If joint contact pressure is maintained, then natural joint function is preserved, but cartilage cannot repair or regenerate
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing device changes the pressure distribution parameter within the knee joint by introducing low-friction bearing surfaces. This parameter change reduces joint contact pressure to physiological levels, creating the necessary conditions for cartilage repair and regeneration while maintaining adequate load transmission for joint function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device acts as an intermediary between the femoral and tibial joint surfaces, mediating the contact and distributing loads. This intermediary function reduces direct high-pressure contact between bone surfaces, enabling cartilage regeneration while preserving joint motion and function.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If long-term joint distraction is provided, then cartilage regeneration is promoted, but the device requires complex bone ingrowth components
Solution Approach 1:
The bone ingrowth components are designed with preliminary surface treatments and geometries that facilitate bone integration from the outset. This preliminary preparation allows for reliable long-term fixation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, enabling sustained joint distraction for cartilage regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone ingrowth components utilize the body's natural bone growth processes to achieve secure fixation over time. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external fixation systems or frequent adjustments, providing long-term stable distraction through biological integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for distracting a joint during a procedure are disclosed. The apparatus can include bone engaging portions and an articulating bearing. The bone engaging portions can engage the bone and then the articulating portions can allow joint motion. The method can use the apparatus to perform a procedure with the apparatus.