Saddle-Shaped Interpositional Implant for Pain Relief and Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic pain management techniques, such as joint fusion and implantable devices, often result in invasive procedures, limited range of motion, and long-term complications like bone erosion, failing to effectively alleviate pain and restore joint stability and strength.
Innovation Solution
An implantable interpositional orthopedic pain management device with a saddle-shaped structure, contoured to fit between bones, using materials with elastic moduli similar to cortical bone, to prevent direct contact and maintain joint stability and motion, avoiding invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If joint fusion is performed to alleviate pain, then pain relief is achieved, but range of motion is eliminated or severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interpositional device as an intermediary element placed between the articulating bones to replace degraded cartilage. This mediator prevents direct bone-to-bone contact, providing pain relief while preserving the natural articulation and range of motion of the joint, thus resolving the contradiction between pain relief and motion preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes materials with elastic moduli similar to cortical bone, changing the mechanical parameters of the implant to match natural bone properties. This parameter matching allows the device to function as a natural cartilage replacement, maintaining joint mechanics while providing pain relief without requiring fusion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional implantable devices are used for pain management, then pain relief is achieved, but bone erosion and friction occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using materials with elastic moduli similar to cortical bone, changing the mechanical parameters of the implant to match natural bone properties. This parameter matching prevents the foreign body response that causes bone erosion, allowing long-term pain relief without the harmful side effects of conventional metallic implants.
Solution Approach 2:
By selecting materials with elastic moduli homogeneous to cortical bone, the patent creates a biocompatible interface that prevents friction and erosion between the implant and surrounding bone. This homogeneity in mechanical properties eliminates the harmful frictional effects associated with dissimilar material combinations.
3Reliability
If substantial alterations to bones are made for device placement, then implant stability is improved, but joint function is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The interpositional device serves as a mediator that fills the joint space without requiring substantial bone alterations. By placing the device between the bones, it achieves stability through its own structural design and material properties rather than through extensive bone modification, thus preserving joint function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device's material properties, specifically its elastic modulus matching cortical bone, provide inherent stability without requiring aggressive bone preparation. This parameter-based stability allows the implant to remain stable while maintaining natural joint mechanics and function.
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 device effectively alleviates pain and restores joint stability and range of motion by preventing bone contact, using materials that mimic bone properties to maintain joint integrity and function.
Implementation Method 1
using materials with elastic moduli similar to cortical bone
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implantable orthopedic pain management devices are disclosed, including a saddle configured to axially align a top contoured surface to a bone surface and to axially align a bottom contoured surface to another bone surface, and a peripheral protrusion disposed on a peripheral surface of the saddle, the peripheral protrusion being configured to maintain dynamic stability of the saddle between the bone surface and the another bone surface.