Porous SI Joint Prosthesis for Minimally Invasive Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SI joint stabilization methods, both open and minimally-invasive, suffer from significant disadvantages such as extensive tissue damage, increased risk of complications, difficulty in placement, and structural inadequacies of prostheses, leading to misalignment and immune responses.
Innovation Solution
A minimally-invasive SI joint stabilization system using an elongated prosthesis structure with a posterior approach, comprising partially cylindrical sections and a bridge section with a porous structure, designed to securely engage the sacrum and ilium bones, facilitating secure engagement and tissue remodeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional open surgical methods are used for SI joint stabilization, then reliable stabilization can be achieved, but extensive tissue damage and surgical trauma occur
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple components including a sacral component, an iliac component, and connecting elements that can be inserted and positioned separately through minimally invasive approaches, allowing stabilization without extensive open surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis incorporates porous structures that allow bone ingrowth and biological integration, providing reliable stabilization through biological fixation rather than extensive mechanical anchoring that would require open surgery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive approaches are used for prosthesis placement, then surgical trauma is reduced, but placement precision and alignment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Guide wires and templates are inserted through minimally invasive approaches to pre-establish the precise trajectory and positioning of the prosthesis components before final insertion, ensuring accurate placement without open surgery
Solution Approach 2:
Navigation systems, imaging guidance, and specialized guide instruments serve as intermediaries to transfer precise positioning information from the surgeon to the prosthesis components during minimally invasive insertion, maintaining placement precision
3Strength
If conventional prosthesis designs are used, then structural support is provided, but misalignment and immune responses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis features porous surfaces and structures that promote bone ingrowth and biological integration, reducing immune rejection and providing stable structural support through osseointegration
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis utilizes composite material structures combining different properties (such as metal frameworks with porous coatings or biocompatible material combinations) to provide both structural strength and biocompatibility, minimizing immune responses
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
The system effectively stabilizes dysfunctional SI joints with reduced surgical trauma, minimizes complications, and supports osseous tissue regeneration, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing pain.
Implementation Method 1
supports osseous tissue regeneration
Data Source
AI summary
Prostheses 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 partially cylindrical sections and, in some instances, the bridge section have a porous structure.