Intramedullary Bone Anchor Mechanism for Controlled Bone Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone adjustment devices, both external and internal, face challenges such as the need for daily manual adjustment, pain, complications like pin site infections, and bulkiness, which can lead to poor compliance and aesthetic issues, while also lacking in promoting intermittent and oscillating forces that enhance osteogenesis.
Innovation Solution
An implanted intramedullary device with anchoring devices and a hydraulic or mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows for controlled longitudinal force, angular adjustment, and torsion, featuring a mechanical multi-step locking mechanism and wireless control for incremental changes, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing osteogenesis through intermittent and oscillating forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bone anchor device is designed to be inserted into bone tissue, then it can provide anchoring function, but it may damage surrounding soft tissue or nerves during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor device is divided into multiple segments including a shaft portion, a head portion, and a distal portion with expansion elements. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted in a controlled manner and then expanded in situ, reducing damage during insertion while maintaining anchoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A pilot hole is created in the bone tissue before inserting the bone anchor device. This preliminary action prepares the path for insertion, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding soft tissue or nerves during the actual anchor insertion process
2Reliability
If traditional bone anchor devices are used, then they can provide anchoring function, but they require separate fixation elements that increase device complexity and surgical time
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor device integrates the anchoring function and fixation function into a single unified structure. The shaft portion, head portion, and expansion elements work together as one component, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides anchoring for the implant, serves as a fixation element itself, and can be expanded in situ. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function
3Reliability
If bone anchor devices are inserted using conventional methods, then they can be placed in bone tissue, but the insertion process is time-consuming and increases surgical duration
Solution Approach 1:
A pilot hole is created before inserting the bone anchor device, which streamlines the insertion process. The pre-prepared path allows for faster and more accurate placement of the anchor device compared to conventional insertion methods
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor device can be expanded in situ after insertion through activation of the expansion mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the device to be inserted in a compact form and then expanded to its functional configuration, reducing insertion time and surgical duration
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 minimizes manual adjustment requirements, reduces pain and bulkiness, promotes effective osteogenesis by applying controlled forces, and stabilizes the bone adjustment, allowing for both therapeutic and cosmetic treatments with improved patient comfort and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment device for exerting force on said anchoring devices to adjust the distance between or orientation of at least two of said anchoring devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a device for bone adjustment in a mammal is presented, wherein a device is implanted in the medullar cavity of a bone in the body of said mammal, said device being a device exerting a force to anchoring devices anchored ins aid bone. The method and device has utility in therapeutic and cosmetic bone adjustments, including the lengthening, reshaping and realigning of bones, for example in the correction of congenital deformations, restorative orthopaedic surgery and the like.