Orthopaedic Implant Internal Networks for Bone Defect Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bone defects, such as erosion or fracture, cause joint instability and pain, and existing techniques for repairing these defects often lack effective methods to restore joint functionality and promote healing.

Innovation Solution

An orthopaedic implant system with a baseplate and augment, featuring an internal network of passages and ports, is used to communicate biological materials for improved fixation and healing, utilizing a pump to deliver materials through the network and secure the implant with fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bone graft and implant techniques are used to repair bone defects, then structural support is provided, but effective delivery of biological materials for healing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealing effectivenessVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The augment includes a porous internal network with interconnected passages and pores that allow biological materials to be delivered directly to the bone defect site. This porous structure enables effective material transport while maintaining structural support, resolving the contradiction between healing effectiveness and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The internal network acts as an intermediary structure between the implant and the bone defect, facilitating the transport of biological materials. This mediator enables effective delivery of healing agents without requiring complex external delivery systems, thus improving reliability while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If fasteners are used to secure the implant to bone, then fixation is achieved, but the complexity of the implant system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidimplant system

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is segmented into distinct functional components: a baseplate for initial stabilization, an augment for structural support and material delivery, and optional fasteners for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving strong fixation while managing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the augment includes an internal network for material communication, then biological material delivery is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial deliveryVSAvoidimplant fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The internal network is formed as a porous structure within the augment, which can be manufactured using established porous material fabrication techniques. This approach enables effective biological material delivery through the network while utilizing proven manufacturing methods, thus improving reliability without excessively increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS12433751B2Orthopaedic implant systems including internal networks and methods of repair

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to orthopaedic implant systems and methods for repairing bone defects and restoring functionality to a joint. The implant systems and methods disclosed herein may include augments extending from respective baseplates. The augments may have an internal network for communicating material in the respective implant.