Micro-indenter Probe for Bone Fracture Risk Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing bone fracture risk are inadequate, particularly for young individuals and those with osteoporosis, as they rely heavily on bone mineral density measurements that are incomplete and costly, failing to account for other critical factors like tissue quality and microarchitecture, and require skilled technicians and expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A novel diagnostic instrument that assesses bone fracture risk by creating microscopic fractures in the bone using a test probe inserted through the skin, allowing for quick and inexpensive evaluation of bone resistance to fracture, which can be used alone or in conjunction with conventional diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bone mineral density measurement techniques (DEXA, quantitative ultrasound) are used, then bone fracture risk can be assessed, but the assessment is incomplete and ineffective for young healthy people and elderly patients with bone disease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional non-invasive imaging techniques (DEXA, ultrasound) with a mechanical testing approach. A micro-indenter device applies controlled mechanical loads to create microscopic fractures in bone tissue, directly measuring fracture resistance through force-displacement curves. This mechanical substitution provides more accurate and universally applicable fracture risk assessment across all age groups and health conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from bone mineral density (a static property) to fracture toughness and initiation toughness (dynamic mechanical properties). By measuring the force required to initiate and propagate microscopic cracks, the device captures the actual fracture resistance of bone tissue, which varies with age, disease state, and individual physiology, thereby improving both accuracy and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If DEXA evaluations are performed to measure bone mineral density, then fracture risk can be determined, but the equipment is expensive and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable micro-indenter probes that are pre-calibrated and single-use. Each probe contains the necessary mechanical components and sensors, eliminating the need for expensive, complex DEXA equipment and skilled technicians for operation and maintenance. The disposable nature ensures consistent calibration while reducing device complexity and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-indenter device is designed for self-contained operation with integrated force sensors and displacement measurement capabilities. The device automatically performs calibration, measurement, and data analysis without requiring skilled technicians, making the system simple to operate while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If a test probe is inserted through skin and periosteum to contact bone, then microscopic fractures can be created to assess fracture risk, but this requires penetration through soft tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an extremely fine micro-indenter probe with a tip diameter on the order of micrometers, concentrating the mechanical load into a very small area of bone tissue. This localized approach creates microscopic fractures only in the immediate vicinity of the probe tip, minimizing damage to surrounding soft tissue and bone while still providing accurate fracture resistance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies controlled mechanical loads that are sufficient to create microscopic fractures for measurement purposes but stop short of causing clinically significant damage. The force-displacement curves are recorded during the partial fracture process, allowing assessment of fracture risk without creating excessive or harmful damage to the bone tissue.
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
Provides a rapid, cost-effective assessment of bone fracture risk that is not available with existing technologies, enabling more individuals to receive preventative therapy before fractures occur, and can be used in a clinical setting without surgical exposure of the bone.
Implementation Method 1
determining the resistance of the bone to microscopic fracture by the test probe
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and instruments for assessing bone, for example fracture risk, in a subject in which a test probe is inserted through the skin of the subject so that the test probe contacts the subject's bone and the resistance of the test bone to microscopic fracture by the test probe is determined. Macroscopic bone fracture risk is assessed by measuring the resistance of the bone to microscopic fractures caused by the test probe. The microscopic fractures are so small that they pose negligible health risks. The instrument may also be useful in characterizing other materials, especially if it is necessary to penetrate a layer to get to the material to be characterized.