Custom Orthopedic Implants Altering Articular Wear Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint implants fail to account for abnormal biomechanical loading conditions, leading to implant failure due to increased loads and stresses, and require invasive surgeries that result in bone stock loss and limited therapeutic options over time.
Innovation Solution
Designing orthopedic devices that alter wear patterns on articular surfaces using image data from techniques like arthroscopy and imaging analysis, allowing for the creation of customized implants that redistribute loads and reduce point loading, thereby accommodating abnormal biomechanical loading conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joint implants are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but implant failure occurs due to abnormal biomechanical loading conditions and increased loads
Solution Approach 1:
The implant surface is designed with location-specific curvature that matches the natural wear pattern of the joint, creating locally optimized load distribution across different regions of the articular surface rather than uniform geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The implant geometry is pre-designed based on pre-operative imaging analysis of the patient's natural wear pattern, allowing the load-redistributing surface to be established before implantation to prevent future wear and failure
2Ease of operation
If invasive joint replacement surgery is performed, then joint function is restored, but bone stock is lost and therapeutic options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant restores joint function by replacing only the specific articular surface region with abnormal wear patterns, preserving healthy bone stock in surrounding areas rather than requiring extensive bone resection
Solution Approach 2:
Pre-operative imaging analysis is performed to map the natural wear pattern and design the implant geometry beforehand, enabling precise placement that maximizes therapeutic benefit while minimizing bone removal
3Ease of manufacture
If standard implant geometry is used, then implantation is simplified, but abnormal wear patterns are not accommodated leading to increased stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The implant surface features location-specific curvature variations that correspond to the patient's natural wear pattern, creating locally optimized contact stress distribution rather than uniform geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The implant geometry is created by copying or replicating the patient's natural wear pattern from pre-operative imaging data, allowing the implant to naturally accommodate abnormal wear patterns while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized fabrication processes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for correcting wear pattern defects in joints. The methods and devices described herein allow for the restoration of correcting abnormal biomechanical loading conditions in a joint brought on by wear pattern defects, and also can, in embodiments, permit correction of proper kinematic movement.