Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization Using Monolithic Pontoon Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for stabilizing dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joints are invasive, require extensive surgical training, and often result in post-surgical complications, such as infection and damage to surrounding tissues, due to the need for large incisions and the use of prostheses that are structurally inferior to bone tissue and immunogenic.
Innovation Solution
A minimally-invasive system and apparatus for stabilizing SI joints using an elongated prosthesis with a monolithic structure, comprising first and second elongated sections and a bridge section, advanced in a posterior trajectory to transfix the joint, allowing for secure engagement and stabilization with optimal structural properties, and facilitating tissue remodeling and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical methods are used to stabilize SI joints, then stabilization can be achieved, but tissue disruption and post-surgical complications increase due to large incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is divided into two separate procedures: first, a minimally-invasive procedure to create a cavity and insert a prosthesis; second, a separate procedure to place a bone graft. This segmentation allows each procedure to be optimized for minimal tissue disruption while achieving the same stabilization outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
A prosthesis acts as an intermediary device between the SI joint components (sacrum and ilium). The prosthesis includes a first portion engaging the sacrum and a second portion engaging the ilium, providing stabilization without requiring direct bone-to-bone contact or extensive tissue disruption.
2Reliability
If conventional prostheses are used for SI joint stabilization, then stabilization can be achieved, but the prostheses are structurally inferior to bone tissue and immunogenic
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is constructed from composite materials that combine properties of metal (for structural strength and load-bearing capacity) and polymer (for biocompatibility and reduced immunogenicity). This composite construction allows the prosthesis to achieve both mechanical adequacy and biological compatibility, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-material prostheses.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive procedures are used, then tissue disruption is reduced, but the procedures are difficult to perform and require extensive surgical training
Solution Approach 1:
The first procedure creates a cavity and inserts a prosthesis that serves as a guide and template for the second bone graft procedure. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent surgery by providing pre-positioned structural guidance, reducing the overall difficulty despite the two-step approach.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If bone grafts are implanted to stabilize SI joints, then healing can be promoted, but the grafts may be dislodged or malpositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis serves as a real-time feedback mechanism during surgery, allowing the surgeon to visually and tactilely confirm proper positioning of both the prosthesis and the bone graft. The prosthesis structure provides immediate feedback on alignment and stability, enabling adjustment before the graft is finalized.
Data Source
AI summary
Prostheses and methods are described for stabilizing dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joints. The prostheses are sized and configured to be press-fit into surgically created pilot SI joint openings in dysfunctional SI joint structures. The prostheses have a pontoon shape with opposed elongated partially cylindrical sections connected by a bridge section. The bridge section can have various shapes, such as an offset, arched structure, to accommodate the delivery and/or positioning of a primary or supplemental support member or device between the first and second elongated sections, such as a sacral-alar iliac (S2AI) screw or surgical dowel member.