Multiple Component Osteoimplant with Self-Interlocking Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for multiple component osteoimplants with interlockable or attachable interfaces that can simplify assembly and use in the operating room, particularly for bone implants that require both tissue penetration and load-bearing capabilities to facilitate bony healing and attachment, such as intervertebral fusion, while minimizing the risk of the implant coming apart during implantation.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiple component osteoimplants with interlockable interfaces, including threaded dowels, dovetail designs, and puzzle-like configurations, which allow for self-interlocking of bone portions to form a stable implant that combines tissue penetration and load-bearing functions, utilizing materials like cortical and cancellous bone or structural polymers to enhance bone integration and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple component osteoimplants are used to combine benefits of different materials (cortical bone for strength, cancellous bone for bone growth), then the implant provides both load-bearing capability and tissue penetration, but the implant may come apart prior to implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple components: a cortical bone outer shell for load-bearing and a cancellous bone inner core for bone growth stimulation. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function while maintaining overall implant integrity through designed interfacial connections
Solution Approach 2:
The cancellous bone inner core is nested within the cortical bone outer shell, creating a composite structure where the inner component is contained within the outer component. This nested configuration ensures both materials work together while maintaining structural coherence and preventing separation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple component osteoimplants are assembled in the operating room, then the implant can be customized for specific patient needs, but the assembly process increases complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is provided as pre-fabricated modular components that can be selectively assembled based on patient-specific requirements. This segmentation enables customization while keeping individual components simple and easy to handle during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical connection elements serve as intermediaries between the cortical bone shell and cancellous bone core, providing simple, standardized interfaces that facilitate quick assembly without requiring complex surgical procedures or specialized tools
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-component implants are used, then the implant structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the implant cannot simultaneously provide optimal load-bearing support and bone growth stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to create a single-component implant with both functions, the solution segments the implant into specialized components: cortical bone for load-bearing and cancellous bone for bone growth, with each component manufactured separately using optimized processes
Solution Approach 2:
The implant uses a composite structure combining cortical bone and cancellous bone materials, each contributing their unique properties. This composite approach allows the implant to simultaneously achieve load-bearing strength and osteoinductive capability, overcoming the limitations of single-material implants
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an osteoimplant that comprises two or more portions, wherein two or more of the portions are self-interlockable with one another to form the desired osteoimplant. The components of the osteoimplant may be of the same material or of different materials. Suitable materials may include cortical bone, cancellous bone, structural polymer, other biomaterial, or any combination thereof.