Sacroiliac Joint Stabilization via Segmented 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 joint stabilization is achieved, but tissue disruption and risk of infection increase due to large incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments including a first elongated section for sacral engagement, a second elongated section for iliac engagement, and a bridge section connecting them. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted through a minimally invasive posterior trajectory while still achieving stable fixation of the SI joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional anterior or lateral approaches to a posterior trajectory approach. By changing the dimensional approach vector, the prosthesis can be inserted through minimally invasive posterior access points, avoiding large incisions and reducing tissue disruption while achieving the same stabilization effect.
2Reliability
If traditional prostheses are used for SI joint stabilization, then joint fixation is achieved, but structural strength is insufficient compared to bone tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis employs titanium alloy construction which provides superior strength-to-weight ratio and mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding bone tissue. The titanium alloy material enables the prosthesis to achieve adequate structural strength for long-term load-bearing while maintaining a lightweight design that reduces stress on surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis design incorporates optimized geometric parameters including tapered distal ends on all sections to facilitate insertion and achieve optimal engagement within the bone structures. The bridge section features a contoured configuration that provides rigid connection between the sacral and iliac sections, ensuring adequate structural strength for joint stabilization.
3Reliability
If conventional prostheses are implanted, then joint stabilization is achieved, but immunogenic responses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis surface is treated with modifications that alter its immunogenic properties. Surface treatments such as anodization or coating with biocompatible materials reduce the immunogenic response of the titanium alloy, allowing the prosthesis to be retained in the body long-term without triggering adverse immune reactions, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for joint stabilization.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive techniques are used, then tissue disruption is reduced, but surgical precision and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with self-aligning features including tapered distal ends on all sections that guide proper positioning during insertion. The bridge section is pre-configured with a contoured shape that automatically aligns with the anatomical relationship between the sacrum and ilium, reducing the need for complex intraoperative adjustments and minimizing the precision burden on the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis acts as an intermediary device that bridges the sacrum and ilium through a standardized posterior trajectory. The first elongated section engages the sacrum, the second elongated section engages the ilium, and the bridge section connects them, creating a predictable mechanical pathway that simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
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.