Segmented Elastic Implant with Viscoelastic Polymer Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implants for restoring functional joint surfaces are not suitable for large-scale osteoarthritic lesions, require removal of healthy tissue, and can become loose, making them time-consuming and stressful for patients, and are not adaptable to individual joint shapes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible implant formed from non-metallic, linearly elastic building blocks connected by a viscoelastic polymer material, allowing for gaps between blocks that can absorb cellular material and adapt to the joint shape, preserving healthy tissue and enabling long-lasting restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monolithic implants are used for restoring functional joint surfaces, then the joint surface can be restored, but healthy tissue must be removed and the procedure becomes complex and stressful for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple building blocks (e.g., 2-10 mm sized blocks) that can be flexibly arranged and connected by polymer material, allowing the implant to conform to the joint surface without requiring removal of healthy subchondral bone plate
2Reliability
If monolithic implants are used for restoring functional joint surfaces, then the joint surface can be restored, but the implants can loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates gaps (5-50 micrometer spaces) between building blocks that allow for dynamic adaptation and cellular infiltration, while the flexible connection by polymer material provides shock absorption and stress distribution, preventing implant loosening
3Reliability
If current implant methods are used for large-area osteoarthritic lesions, then treatment is possible, but the procedure is time-consuming and stressful for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented building blocks can be quickly assembled and adapted to the patient's specific joint geometry, reducing surgical time compared to custom-monolithic implants
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows adjustment of building block arrangement, gap size, and polymer connection properties to match patient-specific requirements, enabling rapid customization without lengthy procedures
4Reliability
If monolithic implants are used, then the joint surface can be restored, but the implants are not adaptable to individual joint shapes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple building blocks can be flexibly arranged and connected to conform to various joint geometries (knee, hip, ankle, etc.), providing high adaptability to individual patient anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connection between building blocks allows the implant to dynamically adapt to the joint's movement and loading conditions, improving fit 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 implant provides a highly flexible structure that adapts to the joint shape, allows for cellular colonization, and preserves healthy tissue, making it suitable for restoring functional joint surfaces and bone material effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a building block is connected to neighboring building blocks by means of a viscoelastic polymer material in such a way that gaps remain between the neighboring building blocks and the neighboring building blocks are movable relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
formed from a plurality of building blocks made of a non-metallic, linearly elastic material
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
The invention relates to an implant for replacing bone or cartilage material, which is constituted by a plurality of elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) produced from a non-metallic, linearly elastic material, an element (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) being connected to adjacent elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) by a viscoelastic polymer material such that gaps (L) remain between the adjacent elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) and that the adjacent elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) can move relative to one another.