Self-Contracting Bone Implant Assembly for Post-Op Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone implant systems lack the ability to adjust compressive force post-implantation, making it difficult to maintain optimal conditions for bone healing without additional surgery.
Innovation Solution
An implant assembly featuring a self-contracting element, such as a thread-like suture with a swellable core, that interacts with bodily fluids to maintain compressive force between implant members, utilizing a fixing arrangement with adjustable features like knots, crimps, or set screws to secure the suture, and pulley systems for tensioning and holding the suture in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional implant systems are used, then initial compression can be applied to bone fragments, but the compressive force cannot be adjusted post-implantation without additional surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The implant assembly incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the contractible element can be repositioned along the rod assembly to change the compression level. The fixing arrangement allows the contractible element to be moved between different positions and secured, enabling post-implantation adjustment of compressive force without requiring additional surgical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant assembly is designed to be self-adjusting through the contractible element that can be repositioned and secured by the fixing arrangement. This self-service capability allows the surgeon to adjust the compression level during the same surgical procedure or in subsequent procedures without needing complex external adjustment mechanisms or multiple surgeries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contractible element is made adjustable, then post-implantation compression adjustment becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing arrangement is divided into discrete components including the contractible element, the rod assembly with holes, and the fixing mechanism. This segmentation allows the contractible element to be independently positioned in different holes along the rod assembly and secured, providing adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional surgery is performed to adjust the implant, then compression can be modified, but the loss of time and increase in surgical interventions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant assembly is designed with pre-configured adjustment capabilities during the initial implantation. The contractible element can be positioned in different holes along the rod assembly and secured before the bone healing process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent surgical interventions to adjust compression, saving time and reducing surgical complexity.
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
Enables adjustable and sustained compressive force application, resisting creep and soft tissue movement, thereby promoting effective bone healing and reducing the need for additional surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The contractible element may have a first length measured from the first end to the second end. The swelling of the core may cause the mesh to expand causing the contractible element to contract from the first distance to a second shorter distance. The swelling of the core may occur due to exposure of the core to bodily fluids.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An implant assembly includes a first implant member, a second implant member, and a contractible element that is connected between the first and second implant members. The first implant member is configured to be placed against a first bone portion, and the second implant member is configured to be placed against a second bone portion. The contractible element is fixed at a first end to one of the first and second implant members, and movable at a second end with respect to one of the first and second implant members so as to induce tension in the suture, thereby providing a compressive force against the first and second bone portions. The second end can then be fixed with respect to the first and second implant members. The contractible element can contract in length in response to bodily fluids, thereby ensuring adequate post-operative compression. An instrument is also disclosed that is configured to implant the first and second implant members adjacent the first and second bone portions, respectively.