PEEK Capsule Titanium Screw for Bidirectional Bone Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for appositional bone reconstruction, such as the tent pole method, face challenges with titanium screws designed for bone blocks, leading to tissue compression and limited bidirectional horizontal bone augmentation, and existing resorbable membranes fail to maintain space effectively, causing complications and suboptimal implant placement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a titanium screw with variable length and PEEK capsules, designed for bidirectional and vertical appositional bone augmentation, which prevents soft tissue compression and maintains particulate bone grafts in place, using a surgical Kit for installation, allowing for both buccal and palatal reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional titanium screws are used in the tent pole technique, then bone block fastening is achieved, but soft tissue compression occurs and bidirectional horizontal bone augmentation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components: a central titanium screw for anchorage, PEEK capsules for soft tissue decompression, and directional guides for bidirectional graft placement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the titanium screw provides anchorage, the PEEK capsules provide soft tissue decompression and space maintenance, and the overall structure enables both buccal and lingual/palatal bone augmentation. This multi-functionality resolves the limitation of conventional single-purpose screws.
2Reliability
If resorbable membranes are used for bone reconstruction, then post-operative complications are reduced, but space maintenance capability is insufficient due to lack of structure
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines resorbable membranes (for biocompatibility and reduced complications) with non-resorbable PEEK capsules and titanium screw (for structural support and space maintenance). This composite structure allows the membrane to provide its biological advantages while the PEEK capsules maintain the necessary space volume.
3Reliability
If non-rigid resorbable membranes are used, then hydrophilic properties and lower complication rates are achieved, but the membranes collapse into the bone defect
Solution Approach 1:
The PEEK capsules act as intermediaries between the non-rigid resorbable membrane and the bone defect. They provide the structural support needed to prevent membrane collapse while allowing the membrane to maintain its hydrophilic properties and biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a combination of rigid PEEK capsules for structural support and flexible resorbable membranes for coverage. The rigid capsules prevent collapse while the flexible membranes adapt to the tissue and provide biological integration.
4Strength
If conventional titanium screws with driver encasements are used, then bone fastening is achieved, but soft tissue injury occurs during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful driver encasements are removed from the screw head design. Instead, a specialized installation instrument is used that does not contact the soft tissue, thereby maintaining the anchorage strength while eliminating the tissue injury risk.
5Strength
If titanium is used for screw material, then bone integration is achieved, but soft tissue adhesion and fibroblast proliferation are inferior compared to PEEK
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are used for different parts of the device based on local requirements: titanium for the screw portion requiring bone integration, and PEEK for the capsules requiring soft tissue contact. This local quality optimization ensures both bone and soft tissue interfaces are maximized for their specific functions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
The invention refers to a titanium screw (1) that permits the adaptation of PEEK (2) (polyether ether ketone) capsules at both ends, enabling vertical and horizontal, uni or bidirectional appositional bone reconstructions. The screw (1) has a length selected between 6, 8 and 10mm; whereas the PEEK capsules (2) have a diameter of 4.5mm and a height of 1.5mm. According to the invention, it is possible to retract the soft tissue and, accordingly, maintain the space necessary for bone reconstruction. By minimizing compression to the bone graft, this device optimizes tissue reconstruction, oftentimes crucial for the placement of implants.