Segmented Threaded Implants for Pelvic Stabilization Across SI Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implants fail to provide sufficient stabilization and anchoring across the pelvis, particularly at the sacro-iliac joints and sacral corridor, while avoiding sacral foramina, and are not strong enough to withstand forces post-implantation.
Innovation Solution
Development of threaded implants with a monolithic elongate body featuring multiple threaded regions and support ribs, manufactured using additive manufacturing, designed to extend across both SI joints and within the sacral corridor, enhancing anchoring and stability through a combination of thread types and lattice structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing implants are used for pelvic stabilization, then the implantation procedure can be performed, but the implants fail to provide sufficient stabilization and anchoring strength to withstand forces post-implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple threaded regions along its elongate body, with each region having different thread characteristics (single-lead vs. multi-lead threads) optimized for specific anatomical locations. The implant also includes distinct components such as support ribs, recesses, and optional lattice structures that segment the body to provide differentiated functions for anchoring and stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the implant have locally optimized properties: proximal and distal multi-lead thread regions provide rapid anchoring in the ilia, while central multi-lead threads provide sacral anchoring. Single-lead thread regions provide transitional anchoring. Support ribs provide localized structural reinforcement, and lattice structures in recesses promote bone ingrowth at specific locations.
2Reliability
If the implant is designed to extend across both SI joints and through the sacral corridor, then pelvic stabilization is achieved, but the implantation complexity and risk of damaging sacral foramina increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-configured with a specific geometry and thread pattern that guides its placement through the sacral corridor while avoiding sacral foramina. The elongate body is designed with dimensions and curvature that facilitate navigation through the complex pelvic anatomy before implantation, reducing the complexity of the surgical procedure.
3Strength
If multiple thread types are used along the elongate body, then anchoring effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant uses variations in thread parameters (lead count, pitch, depth) along the elongate body to achieve different anchoring characteristics in different regions. This allows optimization of anchoring effectiveness without changing the fundamental thread geometry or material composition, simplifying manufacturing compared to using completely different thread forms.
Data Source
AI summary
Threaded implants, methods of delivering the implants and methods of manufacturing the implants. The threaded implants may be sized, configured and adapted for pelvic stabilization, and may include an elongate body that is optionally monolithic and has a distal end, a proximal end, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end.