Meniscus Prosthesis with Integrated Fixation Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical prosthetic devices for meniscus replacement often require customization and complex fixation methods, leading to increased surgical time and potential lateral stresses, while failing to maintain optimal tribology between the meniscus, femoral condyle, and tibial plateau.
Innovation Solution
A meniscus prosthesis with a hollow-like structure that deforms to accommodate cartilage surfaces, featuring a semi-ellipsoidal solid body with integrated fixation anchors and a bioactive coating, which reduces the need for customization and minimizes lateral stresses through a keyhole cross-section geometry and secure position control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixation methods with separate bone bridges and screws are used, then secure fixation to tibial plateau is achieved, but lateral stresses increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation anchor is integrated directly into the meniscus prosthesis body, combining the meniscus replacement function and fixation function into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate bone bridges and fixation screws, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure fixation through the integrated anchor that directly engages with the tibial plateau
Solution Approach 2:
The meniscus prosthesis serves multiple functions simultaneously: it replaces the natural meniscus, provides load distribution, and incorporates an integrated fixation anchor for secure attachment to the tibial plateau. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixation components, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable fixation
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-fitted meniscus prostheses are manufactured for each patient, then precise contact surfaces are achieved, but manufacturing time and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meniscus prosthesis is designed as a universal implant with standardized contact surfaces that can be fitted to various patient anatomies through selective resizing or minor adjustments. The design incorporates universal features such as the semi-ellipsoidal shape and standardized fixation anchor configuration that work across different patient populations, eliminating the need for completely custom-manufactured implants for each patient
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis design allows for parameter variations such as size selections and potential material property adjustments to accommodate different patient needs while maintaining the core design geometry. This enables a standardized design approach with adjustable parameters rather than fully custom manufacturing, reducing production time and surgical complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation structures are used to secure the prosthesis, then stable position control is achieved, but lateral stresses on the tibial plateau increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation anchor utilizes a keyhole-shaped cross-section that can deform elastically during insertion and fixation, allowing the structure to adapt to the tibial plateau geometry. This flexible yet stable anchor design provides secure position control while distributing loads more evenly, reducing concentrated lateral stresses on the bone compared to rigid fixation structures
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.