Multi-Function SI Joint Prosthesis for Posterior Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional SI joint stabilization methods are invasive, requiring extensive tissue disruption and often result in complications such as nerve and blood vessel damage, with limited functionality in monitoring or addressing physiological and biomechanical parameters.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function bone structure prosthesis designed for posterior insertion into dysfunctional SI joints, featuring elongated partially cylindrical sections with internal lumens and threads, capable of pain attenuation, osteogenic composition delivery, and monitoring of physiological and biomechanical parameters, including temperature, muscle activity, and joint motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional SI joint stabilization methods are used, then joint stabilization is achieved, but extensive tissue disruption and nerve/blood vessel damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilizationVSAvoidtissue disruption and nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments including first and second elongated partially cylindrical sections connected by a bridge section, allowing staged insertion and reduced tissue disruption while achieving stable fixation of the SI joint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis features internal lumens within the cylindrical sections that can receive and nest additional components such as osteogenic compositions or monitoring devices, enabling multi-functionality without increasing external footprint or tissue disruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional stabilization prostheses are used, then joint stability is provided, but functionality for monitoring physiological parameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidmonitoring and physiological functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis integrates multiple functions into a single device: mechanical stabilization through the bridge section, osteogenic composition delivery through internal lumens, and physiological parameter monitoring through integrated sensors, eliminating the need for separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Monitoring devices and osteogenic compositions are nested within the internal lumens of the prosthesis structure, allowing these functional components to be delivered and positioned without requiring additional surgical exposure or tissue disruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If posterior approach insertion is used, then tissue disruption is minimized, but delivery and positioning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue disruptionVSAvoiddelivery and positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the prosthesis from the traditional anterior approach, the design enables posterior insertion by inverting the delivery sequence, with the bridge section being inserted first followed by the cylindrical sections, allowing access through less invasive posterior tissue planes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If osteogenic composition delivery is added to the prosthesis, then bone regeneration is facilitated, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone regeneration capabilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates porous structures within the internal lumens or surface areas that enable osteogenic composition delivery and bone ingrowth, combining structural support with regenerative functionality through material architecture rather than complex assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The same internal lumen structure serves dual purposes: providing structural integrity to the prosthesis and serving as a delivery vehicle for osteogenic compositions, eliminating the need for separate delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230000631A1Multi-Function Bone Structure Prostheses

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 TENON MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A system for treating dysfunctional SI joints that includes a multi-function bone structure prosthesis adapted to be delivered to and inserted into a dysfunctional SI joint via a posterior approach, the multi-function bone structure prosthesis, when disposed in a dysfunctional SI joint, being adapted to (i) stabilize the dysfunctional SI joint, (ii) induce proliferation, and/or growth and/or remodeling and/or regeneration of osseous tissue and, thereby, healing and arthrodesis of the dysfunctional SI joint, (iii) attenuate pain associated with the dysfunctional SI joint via neurostimulation, and (iv) monitor physiological and/or biomechanical parameters associated with the dysfunctional SI joint via one or more sensor systems.