Interpositional Orthopedic Implant with Peripheral Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic pain management techniques, such as invasive surgical procedures and implantable devices, often fail to effectively restore joint stability and range of motion while minimizing pain, as they can lead to further complications like bone erosion and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
An implantable interpositional orthopedic pain management device with a saddle-shaped surface and peripheral protrusions is designed to be inserted between bones in joints, providing dynamic stability and pain relief by preventing direct contact and maintaining the device's position within the joint, using materials with elastic moduli similar to bone to minimize damage and ensure long-term effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implantable devices (ball-and-socket artificial joints) are used, then pain relief is achieved, but surrounding bone erosion and friction occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by using materials with elastic moduli similar to bone rather than traditional metal alloys, which reduces the mechanical mismatch between implant and bone, thereby preventing bone erosion while maintaining pain relief effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials that combine the benefits of bone-like elasticity with implant durability, creating a material that is both biocompatible and mechanically sound, thus avoiding bone erosion while ensuring long-term reliability
2Reliability
If conventional surgical techniques remove bone or portions thereof, then pain relief is achieved, but joint stability and range of motion are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the degraded cartilage and inserts a device that preserves the natural bone structure, avoiding the removal of healthy bone tissue, thereby maintaining joint stability and range of motion while achieving pain relief
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device acts as an intermediary between the bones, providing a cushioning effect that prevents direct bone-on-bone contact and pain, while allowing natural joint movement and stability to be maintained
3Reliability
If conventional implantable devices are placed, then pain management is achieved, but connective tissue and tendons are cut and do not restore easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of the joint space and soft tissues before device insertion, minimizing the need for extensive cutting of connective tissue and tendons, thereby reducing recovery time while achieving effective pain management
4Reliability
If conventional techniques fuse bones in joints, then pain is relieved, but further use and range of motion are eliminated or severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an implantable device as an intermediary that prevents direct bone contact and pain without fusing the bones together, allowing the joint to maintain its natural range of motion and functionality while achieving pain relief
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 device effectively alleviates pain and restores joint mobility by preventing bone contact and dislocation, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods with reduced risk of complications and improved long-term functionality.
Implementation Method 1
using materials with elastic moduli similar to bone to minimize damage and ensure long-term effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable orthopedic pain management devices are disclosed, including a body with a top surface having a radius of curvature, and a bottom surface with another radius of curvature, configured to be surgically implanted in a joint and to prevent contact between one or more bones in the joint, the body not being coupled to the one or more bones, and a peripheral protrusion disposed substantially about a perimeter of the body and having a substantially outward facing vertical surface, the peripheral protrusion being configured to prevent expulsion of the body from the joint.