Magnetic Telescopic Distraction Rods for Controlled Bone Lengthening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scoliosis, such as braces and fusion surgeries, have limitations in effectiveness and patient compliance, while distraction osteogenesis methods are cumbersome and risky, and there is a need for non-invasive, controlled bone lengthening solutions for conditions like scoliosis and knee osteoarthritis.
Innovation Solution
An implantable distraction device with a housing and two telescopic distraction rods, actuated by a magnetic drive system, allowing controlled and non-invasive adjustment within the body to address bone lengthening and spinal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional distraction osteogenesis methods are used, then bone lengthening can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and carries significant surgical risk
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device employs nested telescopic rods where one rod is positioned within another, allowing compact storage within the medullary canal while enabling progressive bone lengthening through controlled telescopic movement of the inner rod relative to the outer rod
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical external fixators with an implantable device utilizing magnetic fields to actuate the telescopic rods, eliminating the need for external mechanical components and reducing surgical complexity
2Length of moving object
If multiple surgeries are performed for distraction osteogenesis, then bone lengthening can be achieved, but patient compliance and treatment efficacy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is implanted in advance with the capability for self-actuation through magnetic fields, allowing the distraction osteogenesis process to begin and continue without requiring multiple subsequent surgical interventions or active patient participation
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable distraction device is designed to be self-actuating through magnetic field application, eliminating the need for patient compliance with complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or multiple surgical visits, thereby improving ease of operation and treatment efficacy
3Stability of the object's composition
If fusion surgery is performed for scoliosis, then spinal alignment is improved, but patient mobility and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device enables dynamic, controlled bone lengthening through magnetic field actuation of the telescopic rods, allowing progressive adjustment of spinal alignment without the rigid fusion constraints that limit patient mobility and comfort
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 significant bone lengthening (up to 120% of the device's length) with minimal invasiveness, reducing the need for multiple surgeries and improving patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable distraction device with a housing and two telescopic distraction rods, actuated by a magnetic drive system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving a portion of a patient's body including a housing having a first cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, a first distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the first distraction rod and the housing being telescopically displaceable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis, the first distraction rod having a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis, a second distraction rod having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to be telescopically displaceable from within the second cavity along the longitudinal axis, and a drive system configured to move the first distraction rod in relation to the housing and to move the second distraction rod in relation to the first distraction rod.