Patella Spacer Implant with Fluid Bladder for Force Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for patella misalignment and dislocation do not adequately address the full range of joint movement and maintain the structural integrity of the knee joint, leading to inadequate pain relief and potential negative remodeling of the patellar ligament.
Innovation Solution
A contoured implant is designed to receive the patellar tendon, featuring a smooth upper surface for tendon sliding and a hook-shaped portion to alter tracking, with optional fluid-filled bladders for adjustable tension redistribution and load absorption, ensuring engagement throughout the knee's range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing treatments are used for patella misalignment, then some pain relief may be achieved, but the implant does not adequately address full range of joint movement and may cause negative remodeling of the patellar ligament
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates a fluid-filled bladder that can dynamically adjust its volume and pressure characteristics throughout the range of motion. The bladder transitions from a compressed state during flexion to an expanded state during extension, allowing the implant to adapt to different joint positions and maintain optimal force redistribution without causing ligament remodeling
Solution Approach 2:
The implant changes physical parameters (volume, pressure, stiffness) of the fluid-filled bladder based on joint position and loading conditions. This allows the implant to provide different levels of support and force redistribution at different angles of knee motion, optimizing pain relief while avoiding harmful effects on the patellar ligament
2Reliability
If the implant engages the patellar tendon throughout full range of motion, then force redistribution is improved, but the implant structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled bladder is designed to automatically adjust its configuration in response to joint motion and loading without requiring external control mechanisms. The fluid pressure and bladder shape self-regulate based on the mechanical environment, providing continuous force redistribution throughout the range of motion while maintaining relatively simple implant architecture
3Ease of operation
If the implant uses a smooth upper surface for tendon sliding, then friction is reduced, but the structural integrity and engagement of the implant may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features a smooth upper surface specifically at the tendon contact region to minimize friction during sliding, while other portions of the implant maintain appropriate structural characteristics for engagement and strength. This localized differentiation allows the tendon interface to be optimized for low friction while preserving overall implant integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint and the patella specifically are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches involving implanting a joint surface load reducing implant proximate the joint to change the direction of the tendons or muscles exerting forces on the joints.