Radially Compressive Shape Memory Implant for Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shape memory implants, such as surgical staples and plates, primarily generate linear compressive forces, which are less than ideal for orthopedic procedures like carpal fusions that require radial compression of multiple bone segments for fusion.
Innovation Solution
A radially compressive implant with a central vertical axis, transitioning between natural and insertion shapes, stores energy radially and delivers it to bones to promote fusion, featuring a bridge with symmetrical segments and fixation members that diverge and converge to apply continuous radial compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If linear compressive force is used in traditional shape memory implants, then the implant structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the compression effect is insufficient for radial bone fusion applications
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple bridge segments (first, second, third, and fourth bridge segments) arranged radially around a central axis. Each segment contains transition sections that can independently deform, allowing the implant to generate radial compressive forces by transitioning from an inserted configuration to a natural configuration. This segmentation enables the complex radial compression function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from generating linear compressive force (one-dimensional) to generating radial compressive force (three-dimensional). The bridge segments are arranged radially around a central axis, and the transition sections deform in multiple directions to push fixation members radially outward against bone surfaces. This dimensional change transforms the compression mechanism from simple linear force to effective radial compression suitable for bone fusion.
2Reliability
If multiple linear surgical implants are used to hold multiple bone segments, then the implantation is straightforward, but the fusion outcome is less than optimal due to insufficient radial compression
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bridge segments and fixation members are merged into a single integrated implant structure that functions as one unified device. The first, second, third, and fourth bridge segments are connected through a common central axis, and their respective fixation members work together to provide coordinated radial compression. This merging approach achieves reliable bone fusion outcomes by delivering effective radial compression that multiple separate linear implants cannot provide, while simplifying the implantation procedure compared to using multiple independent implants.
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 radially compressive implant effectively promotes bone fusion by continuously compressing bone segments radially, improving outcomes in orthopedic procedures like carpal fusions.
Implementation Method 1
Shape memory materials (e.g., nitinol (nickel-titanium)) due to their superelastic or temperature dependent properties currently are employed in the manufacture of surgical implants
Implementation Method 2
A surgical implant manufactured from a shape memory material with superelastic or temperature dependent properties typically includes a natural shape. Nevertheless, the surgical implant may be deformed from its natural shape to an insertion shape whereby the surgical implant stores energy
Data Source
AI summary
A radially compressive implant, which includes a central vertical axis, is configured to transition between a natural shape and an insertion shape. A transition of the implant from the natural shape to the insertion shape facilitates the implant storing energy deliverable radially relative to the central vertical axis. A transition of the implant from the insertion shape toward the natural shape facilitates the implant delivering the energy stored therein radially relative to the central vertical axis. An implant delivery device in an implant engagement position is configured to engage the implant and constrain the implant in the insertion shape. The implant delivery device in an implant release position is configured to release the implant.