Adjustable Intramedullary Implant With Load Monitoring for Bone Lengthening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing limb lengthening techniques using external fixation frames are cumbersome, painful, and prone to infection, while intramedullary devices lack efficient load monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable implant with smart electronics, including a housing, movable adjustable portion, load cell, actuator, and sensors, allows for precise and controlled bone lengthening with real-time load monitoring and adjustment, powered by energy harvesting components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external fixation frames are used for limb lengthening, then bone lengthening can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome making it difficult for patients to sit, sleep and move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of bone lengthening from the bulky external fixation frame and implements it using an intramedullary device that fits inside the bone marrow cavity. This removes the external components that caused patient discomfort while preserving the core distraction osteogenesis function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary device is nested within the bone marrow cavity, with the distraction mechanism contained inside the bone structure itself. This nesting approach eliminates the need for external frames and pins, allowing patients to move freely while the lengthening function remains intact.
2Reliability
If external fixation frames with pins are used, then bone sections can be held and distracted, but the pin placement sites become open wounds that are painful and prone to infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external pins that create open wounds and infection risks by implementing a fully internal intramedullary distraction mechanism. The distraction force is applied through the bone structure itself without requiring skin penetration, eliminating pin tract complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The intramedullary device acts as an intermediary that transmits distraction force through the bone marrow cavity and cortical bone without requiring external pin penetration. This intermediate approach preserves the bone sections while avoiding direct skin contact and associated infection risks.
3Measurement precision
If traditional intramedullary lengthening devices are used, then patient comfort is improved, but load monitoring and control capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates load cells and sensors that provide real-time feedback on distraction forces and bone healing progress. This feedback mechanism enables precise monitoring and adjustment of the lengthening process, ensuring optimal loading conditions for bone regeneration while preventing excessive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart intramedullary device automatically monitors and adjusts distraction parameters based on real-time sensor data from the bone healing process. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and provides continuous optimization of the lengthening regimen based on actual bone response.
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 provides a comfortable, infection-free, and efficient method for bone lengthening with precise control and real-time data monitoring, enhancing patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell within the housing for measuring a load imparted on the implant during movement of the adjustable portion relative to the housing or during movement of a bone relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a sensor positioned adjacent to the actuator and configured to monitor an angular position of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.