Intervertebral Implant With Integrated Porosity for Bone Ingrowth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal fusion implants lack sufficient structural strength, biocompatibility, and promote inadequate bone ingrowth, leading to potential implant displacement and slow fusion rates.
Innovation Solution
Intervertebral implants with a solid support structure and integral volumetric porosity, manufactured via 3D printing, providing structural integrity while facilitating bone ingrowth and fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional solid intervertebral implants are used, then structural strength is maintained, but bone ingrowth is insufficient and fusion is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating a porous structure within the intervertebral implant body. This porous structure allows bone to grow into and through the implant, transforming it from a simple space-filler to an active fusion promoter. The porosity enables direct bone-implant contact and integration, significantly improving bone ingrowth and fusion reliability while maintaining structural strength through optimized pore architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If implant structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a solid support structure with an integrated porous structure within a single implant body. This composite design allows the solid portions to provide structural strength and stability, while the porous portions facilitate bone ingrowth. The integration of these contrasting structures in one component achieves both manufacturing feasibility and enhanced mechanical performance.
3Reliability
If volumetric porosity is added to promote bone ingrowth, then fusion is enhanced, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different regions within the implant body with distinct properties. The solid support structure provides high density and strength in load-bearing areas, while the porous structure provides high porosity and bone-ingrowth capability in regions requiring integration. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of both structural strength and bone ingrowth potential.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral space between vertebrae. The implant includes a body extending from an upper surface to a lower surface. The body has a front end, a rear end and a pair of spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the front and rear walls such that an interior chamber is defined within the front and rear ends and the first and second walls. The body defines an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter extending about the internal chamber. At least one of the side walls is defined by a solid support structure and an integral porous structure, the porous structure extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter. The porous structure embeds or encapsulates at least a portion of the solid support structure.