Modular Spacer Device for Prosthesis Infection Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for prosthesis infections, such as hip prostheses, often require removal and re-implantation, with limited success from conservative antibiotic treatment, and existing temporary spacers do not adequately adapt to patient anatomy or support dynamic loads during the recovery process.
Innovation Solution
A spacer device made from biologically compatible, porous materials that can be adjusted to fit different patient sizes and anatomies, incorporating adjustable connecting means and pharmaceutical/therapeutic ingredients, allowing for articular function maintenance and dynamic load support during the two-step treatment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size spacers are used, then manufacturing and implantation are simplified, but adaptability to different patient anatomies is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device is divided into a head portion and a rod portion that can be separated and attached to different sizes, allowing customization for different patient anatomies while maintaining a standardized modular design that doesn't significantly increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer device is designed with universal connecting features that allow the same head and rod components to be combined in various configurations, enabling one set of components to serve multiple patient sizes and anatomical requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-adjustable spacers are used, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but adaptability to different patient sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is segmented into adjustable components with standardized interfaces, allowing size adaptation through configuration rather than custom manufacturing, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving size adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer transitions from a fixed static design to a dynamic adjustable design where the head and rod can be separated and reconfigured, enabling adaptation to different patient sizes without requiring precision manufacturing of multiple custom sizes
3Strength
If simple spacers are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to support dynamic loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device utilizes composite material construction combining metal components for structural strength and load-bearing capacity with porous materials for drug delivery, achieving enhanced mechanical properties without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The incorporation of porous materials in the spacer structure provides both mechanical strength for load support and functional capabilities for pharmaceutical delivery, achieving dual benefits without excessive manufacturing complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spacers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for different joint anatomies is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is segmented into separable head and rod portions with standardized connecting interfaces, allowing customization for different joint anatomies through component selection and configuration rather than designing entirely custom devices, thus maintaining reasonable device complexity
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 spacer device facilitates easier implantation, reduces recovery time, and effectively supports the patient's anatomy and load-bearing needs, enhancing the success of the two-step treatment for prosthesis infections by allowing controlled release of therapeutic agents and adaptable fit.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer device made from biologically compatible, porous materials that can be adjusted to fit different patient sizes and anatomies, incorporating adjustable connecting means and pharmaceutical/therapeutic ingredients, allowing for articular function maintenance
Implementation Method 2
The device also comprises blocking means (5) designed to fix the position of the adjustable connecting means (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer device for the two-step treatment of prosthesis infections, made from biologically compatible and porous material designed to allow the possibility of adding pharmaceutical products, active and/or therapeutic ingredients, includes a first portion designed to be fixed to a corresponding bone bed remaining from a previous implant, and a second portion designed to be inserted in a corresponding articular area of the patient, the first portion and the second portion being attached by adjustable connecting means.