Intramedullary Bone Implant With Dynamic Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone implants used in arthrodesis and osteosynthesis procedures are difficult to manipulate and orient properly during surgical insertion, often requiring complex techniques and tools, which can hinder the efficient application of compression for bone fusion.
Innovation Solution
A bone implant with a design featuring moveable portions that transition between a relaxed and contracted state, allowing for simplified insertion and secure anchoring through a single contact point, utilizing barbs and flanges for stabilization, and a channel for guide wire placement to facilitate precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone implants (staples, K-wires, expandable implants) are used to provide compression for bone fusion, then bone compression is achieved, but the implant is difficult to manipulate and orient properly during surgical insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a compressed low-profile state during insertion to an expanded state after insertion, allowing it to be easily manipulated during surgery while providing effective compression when deployed. The spring mechanism enables dynamic shape change between these two states.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant can be inserted in a compressed state within a delivery device, then expanded to its functional shape after insertion. This nesting approach allows complex three-dimensional structures to be delivered through simple access paths while maintaining manipulation ease.
2Reliability
If traditional bone implants are used to provide compression, then bone fusion is promoted, but the implant requires complex insertion techniques and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically expands the implant to its functional shape after insertion, eliminating the need for complex post-insertion activation procedures. The implant self-activates upon deployment, simplifying the overall insertion process while maintaining effective compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is pre-compressed in a low-profile configuration within the delivery device before insertion, allowing for simple insertion procedures. The compression action is then automatically released after insertion, providing the needed bone compression without requiring complex insertion techniques.
3Reliability
If expandable implants are used to achieve compression, then bone fusion is facilitated, but the implant is difficult to implant into bone
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is delivered in a compressed dynamic state that allows easy insertion into bone, then automatically transitions to an expanded state after insertion to provide effective bone fusion facilitation. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between ease of implantation and functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional three-dimensional implant structure is nested within a compressed delivery configuration, allowing simple insertion into bone. After insertion, the implant expands to its functional shape, providing the necessary compression for bone fusion without requiring complex implantation procedures.
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 implant enables easier and more precise placement of bones, enhancing the efficiency of arthrodesis procedures by providing consistent compression and secure fixation, thereby promoting effective bone fusion while minimizing surgical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second portions are biased away from one another using elastic or shape memory characteristics so that the bone implant is configured to be transitioned to or maintained in the contracted state
Implementation Method 2
The barbs can prevent removal of the bone implant from the bones
Data Source
AI summary
A bone implant includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height, and a second portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height. The second portion is connected to the first portion at the proximal end and the distal end and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is moveable relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion so as to transition the bone implant between a relaxed state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a first distance and a contracted state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a second distance different from the first distance. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end have the minimum portion height.