Resorbable Bone Implant Matching Cortical Flexural Modulus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for subchondral bone defects near joints often introduce materials with different physical properties than natural bone, leading to biomechanical risks and unpredictable results, as they fail to mimic the biomechanical and physiological functions of natural bone, and typically weaken the bone, causing inflammation and pain.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with a flexural modulus of 10-30 GPa, made of resorbable materials like allograft with osteoconductive minerals, is inserted through the bone cortex on one side of the defect and anchored to the cortex on the other side, providing mechanical strength and structural integrity while promoting healing and bone regrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If injectable or fillable hardening materials such as bone cements or bone void fillers are used to stabilize bone defects, then mechanical strength is improved, but biomechanical compatibility with natural bone deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device uses a resorbable material with a flexural modulus specifically engineered to match that of natural cortical bone (10-30 GPa). This parameter matching ensures biomechanical compatibility while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength to stabilize the bone defect. The material's resorbable nature allows it to gradually transfer load to healing bone, avoiding stress shielding effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is constructed from a composite resorbable material that combines organic and inorganic components to achieve both mechanical strength and bone-like biomechanical properties. This composite structure provides the necessary strength to stabilize the defect while maintaining flexibility and compatibility with natural bone tissue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional hardening materials are used to treat subchondral bone defects, then structural integrity is improved, but physiological compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resorbable material provides structural integrity during the healing period and then naturally degrades as the bone heals, eliminating the need for secondary removal surgery. The material's composition supports bone regrowth and regeneration, allowing the bone to progressively take over the structural load-bearing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The material is designed with specific mechanical parameters (flexural modulus of 10-30 GPa) that match natural bone, ensuring physiological compatibility. As the bone heals and strengthens, the implant gradually resorbs, transferring the structural integrity function to the native bone tissue.
3Strength
If non-resorbable materials are used to reinforce bone, then mechanical support is improved, but long-term biological compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resorbable material provides temporary mechanical support during the critical healing period and then naturally degrades as the bone regenerates. This eliminates the need for permanent implants that may cause long-term complications such as stress shielding, infection risk, or the need for removal surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device is designed to be temporarily discarded into the body as the bone heals. The resorbable material gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body, with its mechanical support function being recovered by the regenerated bone tissue over time.
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 solution effectively stabilizes and strengthens the bone, reduces inflammation, and alters stress distribution in the joint, leading to pain relief and improved joint function by mimicking natural bone properties and promoting natural healing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the implantable device having a flexural modulus of more than 10 GPa and being resorbable
Implementation Method 2
the implantable device being resorbable... leaving the implantable device deployed within the bone, such that the implantable device becomes resorbed into the bone
Implementation Method 3
The implantable device may also be formed of bone material, such as allograft material. Typically, the implantable device includes a resorbable material that includes osteoconductive minerals, which are configured to support bone regrowth and regeneration.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subchondral bone defect within a bone of a subject that is adjacent to a joint. A hole is created within the bone extending from a first cortex of the bone to a second cortex of the bone. An implantable device is inserted into the hole such that the implantable device extends from the first cortex of the bone through the subchondral defect and to the second cortex of the bone, the implantable device having a flexural modulus of more than 10 GPa and being resorbable. The implantable device is left deployed within the bone, such that the implantable device becomes resorbed into the bone. Other applications are also described.