Segmented Joint Implant with Fenestrations for Cartilage Regrowth

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for joint conditions and diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, do not effectively ameliorate all joint issues, leading to ongoing pain and functional impairment.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first section with a joint-ward end and a second section, designed to be implanted in the bone to recreate a normal articulation surface, featuring fenestrations for cartilage growth and a configuration that prevents bone overgrowth, along with a method involving diagnosis, surgical access, and implantation to facilitate cartilage regrowth and prevent bone hypertrophy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional surgical treatments are used for joint conditions, then existing joint damage is addressed, but cartilage regrowth is not facilitated and bone overgrowth continues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of joint treatmentVSAvoidability to promote cartilage regrowth and prevent bone hypertrophy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple sections including a first section with fenestrations and a second section with threads, allowing different functional zones within a single implant to address both cartilage regrowth and bone overgrowth prevention simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first section of the device incorporates fenestrations (porous structures) that facilitate cartilage ingrowth and regrowth by providing pathways for cellular migration and nutrient transport, directly addressing the limitation of traditional solid implants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device includes fenestrations for cartilage growth, then cartilage regrowth is facilitated, but device structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to facilitate cartilage regrowthVSAvoidstructural complexity of the implant

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple sections including a first section with fenestrations and a second section with threads, allowing different functional zones within a single implant to address both cartilage regrowth and bone overgrowth prevention simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single device structure performs multiple functions: the first section with fenestrations promotes cartilage regrowth while the second section with threads prevents bone overgrowth, eliminating the need for multiple separate implants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed to prevent bone overgrowth, then bone hypertrophy is controlled, but the device configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to prevent bone overgrowthVSAvoidconfiguration complexity of the implant

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple sections including a first section with fenestrations and a second section with threads, allowing different functional zones within a single implant to address both cartilage regrowth and bone overgrowth prevention simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single device structure performs multiple functions: the first section with fenestrations promotes cartilage regrowth while the second section with threads prevents bone overgrowth, eliminating the need for multiple separate implants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20220296376A1Ameliorating joint conditions including injuries and diseases

Publication Date: 2022.09.22 SUBCHONDRAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A method for ameliorating joint conditions and diseases and preventing bone hypertrophy can include facilitating cartilage regrowth and preventing bone overgrowth to a damaged bone at a treatment site within a body joint to promote healing. The method can include providing a device having a first section comprising a joint-ward end having an inner surface and an outer surface and fenestrations between the inner and outer surfaces. A second section can include an opposing leading end and a lateral wall extending between the joint-ward end and the leading end. The leading end can be penetrated into the bone to a depth to substantially position:1) the joint-ward end in a cartilage zone or at a boundary/transition area; and 2) the second section in the bone. Bone overgrowth into the cartilage zone may be prevented within the body joint when the device is positioned at the treatment site.