Joint Implant Anchor with Microtubes for Meniscal Root Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint implant techniques for meniscal root tears often require invasive methods, fail to preserve anatomical integrity, and do not promote recirculation of blood flow, leading to inadequate healing and progression of osteoarthritis.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive joint implant system that recreates natural anatomy by using an anchor and washer or integrated tack device to allow blood and nutrient flow to the meniscal root, preventing osteoarthritis progression and rejuvenating the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional meniscal root repair techniques are used, then fixation is achieved, but blood flow recirculation is not promoted and anatomical integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into separate functional components: an anchor portion for fixation in the tibial bone and a washer portion for supporting the meniscal root. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other, achieving reliable fixation while preserving anatomical integrity through minimally invasive placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and the meniscal root. It provides a protective interface that allows blood flow recirculation from the bone to the meniscus while preventing direct invasive contact between the anchor and the meniscal root, thus promoting healing without anatomical damage.
2Strength
If invasive methods are used for meniscal root repair, then fixation is achieved, but anatomical integrity is not preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design applies local quality by providing fixation only where needed in the tibial bone through the anchor, while the washer portion provides localized support to the meniscal root without requiring invasive penetration. This localized approach achieves necessary fixation strength while preserving the overall anatomical integrity of the meniscal root and surrounding structures.
3Reliability
If conventional repair techniques are used, then meniscal root tears are addressed, but blood flow recirculation is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The implant establishes continuous blood flow recirculation from the tibial bone through the anchor and washer to the meniscal root. This continuous flow of blood and nutrients is maintained throughout the healing process, enabling ongoing nutritional support and regeneration of the meniscal root tissue, which is essential for reliable repair effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint implant device is presented. In embodiments, the device may include a central cylindrical anchor with a sharp distal end and a substantially flat proximal portion. In embodiments, the anchor may be provided with at least one longitudinally extending microtube, to convey at least one of blood and nutrients from the distal end to a proximal end. In embodiments, there may be a plurality of microtubes, each having an intake in the distal end and multiple outflows in the proximal portion. In some embodiments the device may include an eyelet through which a suture may be provided for additional fixation into a joint.