Radiolucent Composite Bone Plate with Radiopaque Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal bone implants face issues such as stress shielding, bone deterioration, biocompatibility problems, and difficulty in imaging and radiation treatment due to their rigid nature, while composite material implants lack clarity during X-ray imaging and require precise screw placement.
Innovation Solution
A bone implant component made of a fiber-reinforced polymer composite with radiolucent properties, featuring a bone plate with reinforcing fibers along its length and optional radiopaque markers, allowing for reconfiguration during surgery and improved visibility under X-ray imaging, along with a fixation component design that includes a core and spirally wound sleeve for enhanced mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal is used for bone implant construction, then bending strength is adequate, but stress shielding and bone deterioration occur due to rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or aramid fibers) to create an implant that combines the strength of metals with the flexibility and radiolucency of non-metallic materials. This composite structure provides adequate bending strength while reducing stress shielding effects on the bone.
2Strength
If metal is used for bone implant construction, then structural strength is provided, but biocompatibility problems occur due to corrosion and sensitization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced polymer composites as an alternative to metal implants. The polymer matrix and fiber reinforcement provide structural strength while being biocompatible, avoiding the corrosion and sensitization issues associated with metals like stainless steel and cobalt chromium alloys.
3Strength
If metal is used for bone implant construction, then implant strength is ensured, but imaging artifacts and radiation blocking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced polymer composites that are radiolucent, allowing clear visualization during X-ray and CT imaging without the artifacts caused by metal implants. The composite material maintains adequate structural strength while enabling effective imaging and radiation treatment.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If composite material is used for bone implant, then radiolucency is achieved, but visibility during X-ray imaging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates radiopaque markers at specific locations on the implant to provide visibility during imaging. These markers are strategically placed to indicate key features such as screw hole positions and implant orientation, while the majority of the implant remains radiolucent to avoid artifacts and allow clear visualization of surrounding bone and tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses radiopaque markers that appear as distinct signals on X-ray and CT images, creating visual contrast against the radiolucent implant body. This allows surgeons to easily locate and identify implant features during imaging-guided procedures.
5Adaptability or versatility
If composite material implant is used, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision and screw placement accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-drilled guide holes and reconfiguration guides into the implant during manufacturing. These features provide precise guidance for screw placement during surgery, ensuring accurate positioning despite the flexibility of the composite material. The guide holes are pre-formed at exact locations to maintain manufacturing precision.
6Strength
If conventional metal fixation components are used, then fixation strength is provided, but fracture masking and limited healing visualization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced polymer composites for fixation components such as plates, screws, and nails. These composite fixation devices provide adequate fixation strength while being radiolucent, allowing clear visualization of the fracture site and healing process through X-ray and CT imaging without the masking effect of metal.
Data Source
AI summary
Radiolucent composite implants. Some embodiments include reconfiguration indicators. Some embodiments include radio-opaque markers, especially along contours. Some embodiments are provided in kit form with accessories such as radiolucent drill guides and/or drives. Some embodiments have fiber reinforcement adapted for various usage scenarios. Some embodiments include metal components, for example, to increase strength. Also described are manufacturing methods.