Magnesium Phosphate Spinal Implant Lattice for Bone Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal implants lack an effective material that promotes bone growth and stability while being resorbable and biocompatible, leading to suboptimal fusion and fixation strength in spinal fusion procedures.

Innovation Solution

A spinal implant with a magnesium phosphate lattice structure that allows for bone growth, made from materials like magnesium phosphate, poly-lactic acid, and calcium phosphate, which is osteoconductive and osteoinductive, and can be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques for customized fit and resorbable properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spinal implant materials are used, then structural stability is provided, but bone growth promotion and biocompatibility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone fusion successVSAvoidlack of osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials consisting of magnesium phosphate lattice structure combined with poly-lactic acid and calcium phosphate. This composite approach provides both structural stability from the magnesium phosphate framework and enhanced biocompatibility/osteoconductivity from the organic polymer and hydroxyapatite components, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and bone growth promotion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The magnesium phosphate lattice structure features a three-dimensional porous architecture with controlled porosity (30-70% void space). This porous structure provides mechanical stability while simultaneously serving as a scaffold for bone ingrowth, addressing both structural requirements and bone growth promotion needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If non-resorbable materials are used, then long-term structural support is provided, but absorption rates and biocompatibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant support durationVSAvoidmaterial resorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes magnesium phosphate, which undergoes controlled transformation from an amorphous initial state to a crystalline hydroxyapatite structure through physiological processes. This parameter change enables the material to provide structural support initially while progressively resorbing and replacing with bone tissue, achieving both long-term support and biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is designed as a temporary scaffold that deliberately resorbs over time to allow complete bone regeneration. The magnesium phosphate lattice serves its purpose during healing then naturally degrades, eliminating the need for permanent foreign bodies and improving long-term biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then production simplicity is maintained, but customization and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcustomized fit precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lattice structure features spatially varying properties including gradient porosity (higher porosity in certain regions for bone ingrowth, lower porosity for structural support), anisotropic strut thickness, and localized feature variations. These local quality variations enable customized fit and optimized mechanical properties while being manufacturable through additive processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional surface treatments to three-dimensional lattice structures with controlled porosity throughout the entire volume. This dimensional transformation enables simultaneous optimization of mechanical strength, bone growth surface area, and customized anatomical fit, all achievable through additive manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 spinal implant enhances bone fusion by providing a scaffold for growth, improving fixation strength and absorption rates, ensuring strong bone structure replacement after implant resorption, thus addressing the limitations of existing implants.

Implementation Method 1

The lattice structure comprises a magnesium phosphate material... which is osteoconductive and osteoinductive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoconductivity:

Implementation Method 2

improving fixation strength and absorption rates, ensuring strong bone structure replacement after implant resorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResorption:

Data Source

PatentUS20230120830A1Spinal Implant with a Magnesium-Phosphate Three-Dimensional Porosity Structure

Publication Date: 2023.04.20 BONE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a spinal implant for insertion between two adjacent vertebrae. The spinal implant includes a frame sized to be inserted between the two adjacent vertebrae. The spinal implant also includes a lattice structure disposed at least partially within the frame and exposed on at least one side of the frame to permit bone growth into the lattice structure. The lattice structure comprises a magnesium phosphate material.