Multi-Member SI Joint Prosthesis Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SI joint stabilization methods, both open surgery and minimally-invasive, face challenges such as extensive tissue damage, increased operative time, pain, hospitalization, and risk of post-surgical complications, along with difficulty in performing minimally-invasive procedures that often damage nearby neurovascular structures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-member bone structure prosthesis system is introduced, comprising elongated members and a central member, designed for posterior trajectory placement, specifically an inferior-posterior approach, to stabilize dysfunctional SI joints with minimal tissue disruption, using osteogenic compositions to facilitate tissue remodeling and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional open surgery or minimally-invasive methods are used for SI joint stabilization, then the joint can be stabilized, but extensive tissue damage, pain, and risk to neurovascular structures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple separate members (first elongated member for sacrum, second elongated member for ilium, and central member) that are inserted independently through separate trajectories and then connected. This segmentation allows each member to be placed through smaller, more controlled incisions, reducing tissue damage while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis utilizes a three-dimensional configuration where the first and second elongated members extend in different directions from the central member, allowing the system to span the SI joint complex in multiple spatial dimensions. This multi-dimensional approach enables stabilization while accommodating the complex anatomy and avoiding critical neurovascular structures that lie in specific planes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive procedures are performed, then tissue damage is reduced, but the procedure becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second elongated members are pre-assembled with the central member in a kit configuration, with threading mechanisms and engagement features already in place. This preliminary preparation allows surgeons to insert the components through minimally-invasive trajectories without needing to assemble complex mechanisms intraoperatively, reducing procedural difficulty while maintaining tissue-sparing benefits.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multi-member prosthesis with osteogenic compositions is used, then tissue regeneration is promoted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated members and central member incorporate porous structures that allow osteogenic compositions to be delivered into the bone tissue. The porous architecture provides channels for bone ingrowth and facilitates the release of osteoinductive agents, promoting tissue regeneration while the modular design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis combines biocompatible metallic or polymeric materials with osteogenic compositions (such as bone morphogenetic proteins, demineralized bone matrix, or growth factors) to create a composite structure that provides both mechanical stabilization and biological regenerative functions. This composite approach enables simultaneous structural support and tissue regeneration promotion.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-member prosthesis including first and second elongated members and a central member, said multi-member prosthesis adapted to be advanced into a pilot SI joint opening in said dysfunctional SI joint via a posterior approach, the pilot SI joint opening comprising a sacrum opening and an ilium opening and a sacrum opening. The first elongated member adapted to be press-fit into the sacrum opening and the second elongated member adapted to be press-fit into the ilium opening. The central member including first and second elongated member securing means adapted to secure the first and second elongated members thereto.