Joint Repair Device Using Vibratory Thermoplastic Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing small synovial joints, such as facet joints, often require multiple surgical steps and significant tissue disruption to achieve limited or full articulation, which can be invasive and lead to thermal tissue damage during the anchoring process.
Innovation Solution
A device with two articulating portions and a temporal connector, utilizing thermoplastic materials liquefied by vibratory energy for anchoring in bone tissue, allowing for simultaneous preparation and fixation of both articular surfaces in a single surgical step, with a connector that is either removable or bio-resorbable to maintain or restore articulation capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple surgical steps are used to repair joint articular surfaces, then the repair can be performed with conventional methods, but the surgical time and tissue disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical steps into a single integrated device that addresses both articular surfaces simultaneously. The device includes first and second portions that can be anchored to opposite articular surfaces in one surgical procedure, eliminating the need for separate surgical steps to treat each surface independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct first and second portions that can be independently anchored to different articular surfaces. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being delivered and implanted as a single integrated device, reducing overall surgical time.
2Strength
If conventional anchoring methods are used to fixate device portions in bone tissue, then secure anchoring is achieved, but thermal tissue damage occurs due to liquefaction heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes ultrasonic vibration to mechanically disrupt bone tissue and create anchoring interfaces without significant thermal heating. The vibrational energy directly breaks bone bonds and creates micro-fractures that allow device anchoring, replacing thermal liquefaction methods with a cold mechanical process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal/chemical anchoring systems with a mechanical vibration-based system. Instead of using heat to liquefy bone material for anchoring, the invention uses ultrasonic mechanical vibrations to directly fracture and embed the device portions into the bone, eliminating thermal damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the joint capsule and ligaments are largely resected to access articular surfaces, then the device can be implanted, but tissue disruption and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device portions are designed to be nested or contained within the joint space without requiring extensive removal of surrounding tissues. The first and second portions can be delivered through minimally invasive approaches and positioned within the joint capsule, reducing the need for large incisions and extensive tissue resection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate device parts are used to allow full articulation, then joint mobility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with multi-functional portions that can serve both anchoring and articulation functions. The first and second device portions are configured to be anchored to opposite articular surfaces while simultaneously providing articulation surfaces that enable joint movement, combining fixation and mobility functions in a single integrated structure.
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
Enables minimally invasive joint repair with reduced thermal load and tissue disruption, allowing for limited to full articulation while ensuring secure anchoring and eventual bio-degradation or removal of the connector, facilitating healing and maintaining joint functionality.
Implementation Method 1
liquefied in situ by application of vibratory energy
Implementation Method 2
material having thermoplastic properties and being liquefied in situ
Implementation Method 3
letting the liquefied material penetrate into bone tissue of the articular surfaces, where on re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection
Data Source
AI summary
A human or animal joint is treated by introduction of a device between the suitably prepared articulating surfaces of the joint, and the device is anchored in both these articular surfaces with a material having thermoplastic properties. For allowing at least limited articulation of the joint after implantation, the device includes two articulating portions, wherein one of the articulating portions is anchored in each articulating surfaces of the joint. On implantation a proximal face of the device is contacted with a vibrating tool and the vibration is transmitted through parts of the device to locations in which the material having thermoplastic properties is near the bone tissue of the articulating surfaces of the joint and in which liquefaction is desired. The liquefied material penetrates the bone tissue and, on re-solidification forms a positive fit connection between the device and the bone tissue.