Segmented Osteotomy Implant with Flexible Spine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing osteotomy gap filling implants tend to buckle when bent to fit the curvature of bone kerfs, leading to poor aesthetic results and increased risk of breakage during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of osteotomy gap filling implants with multiple segments formed of a porous body and a non-porous flexible spine that allows for flexible bending about multiple axes, preventing buckling and enhancing osteointegration by maintaining structural integrity while accommodating tissue growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional porous polyethylene implants are bent to fit the kerf curvature, then the implant can conform to the bone gap shape, but the implant buckles and breaks, reducing aesthetic results and increasing breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple segments connected by flexible joints, allowing each segment to bend independently without causing buckling. This segmentation enables the implant to conform to curved kerfs while maintaining structural integrity and preventing breakage during manipulation and healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates a flexible spine made of elastomeric material that provides continuous support through the porous body. This flexible spine prevents buckling during bending while allowing the implant to conform to the desired kerf shape, eliminating the breakage risk associated with traditional rigid implants.
2Reliability
If a flexible spine is added to prevent buckling, then breakage resistance improves, but the implant structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible spine is integrated directly into the porous body structure, merging two functional components (support and porosity) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements, maintaining structural simplicity while providing the necessary flexibility and breakage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant uses composite construction combining porous polyethylene material with an elastomeric flexible spine. This composite approach provides both the porosity needed for tissue integration and the flexibility needed to prevent buckling, achieving multiple functions without increasing overall structural complexity.
3Shape
If the implant is made highly flexible to conform to kerf shape, then aesthetic results improve, but the implant may not provide sufficient structural support for osteointegration
Solution Approach 1:
The implant provides different levels of flexibility and support at different locations. The flexible spine offers continuous support along the implant length, while the porous body segments provide localized conformability. This local differentiation allows the implant to maintain aesthetic conformability while providing sufficient structural support for osteointegration at critical locations.
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 implants can be elongated by up to 300% without breaking, providing a smooth transition and improved osteointegration by allowing flexible conformability to the kerf shape, reducing the risk of implant failure and enhancing post-operative cosmesis.
Implementation Method 1
facilitate reconnecting the blood supply and osteointegration
Implementation Method 2
a non-porous flexible spine extending through the implant segments... the implant can be freely bent in several directions without the undesirable buckling
Data Source
AI summary
An osteotomy gap filling implants and related methods. In one example, the implant may include several implant segments, at least some of which include a porous body, in combination with a non-porous flexible spine extending through the implant segments.