Photodynamic Joint Spacer for Bone Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing and positioning fractured or weakened bones, particularly in joints, are challenging due to difficulties in achieving proper alignment and stabilization, especially in surgical contexts where precise positioning is required.
Innovation Solution
The development of a photodynamic device system that includes a delivery catheter, an expandable member, and a light-conducting fiber, which allows for the infusion of a light-sensitive liquid into the bone cavity, expanding to anchor an articular member and forming a photodynamic implant upon light activation, providing stabilization and alignment within the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional bone repair methods are used, then surgical procedures are required to re-align and stabilize fractured bones, but proper positioning of bone in joint is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member is inserted into the bone cavity in a compressed state before expansion, allowing preliminary positioning. Once expanded, it provides stable anchoring that maintains precise bone alignment without requiring complex surgical procedures for positioning and stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the positioning function (expandable member) from the stabilization function (support member and articular member), allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve precise bone repair
2Reliability
If an expandable member is inserted into the bone cavity, then the articular member can be anchored securely, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support member and articular member are combined into a single integrated device that performs both stabilization and joint replacement functions, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining secure anchoring through the expandable member
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: the expandable member provides anchoring, the support member stabilizes the bone, and the articular member replaces the joint surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enables precise stabilization and alignment of fractured bones by forming a photodynamic implant that anchors securely within the bone, facilitating accurate positioning and temporary or permanent repair of joint structures until a permanent implant can be installed.
Implementation Method 1
When the light conducting fiber is in the expandable member, the light conducting fiber is able to disperse light energy to initiate hardening of the at least one light-sensitive liquid within the expandable member to form a photodynamic implant
Data Source
AI summary
Photodynamic devices for stabilizing a joint are provided. In some embodiments, a photodynamic joint spacer is provided that includes an expandable member configured for attachment to a bone having an excised region; a formable bar configured for attachment to the bone along at least a portion of the expandable member; and a light-sensitive liquid passed into the expandable member to expand the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is shaped by the formable bar to a shape resembling the excised region of the bone, and wherein the light-sensitive liquid is curable upon exposure to light energy to set the expandable member in the shape resembling the excised region to form a photodynamic joint spacer.