Space-Truss Bone Implants for Bone Growth and Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implants with large rims impede bone growth, concentrate loads, and reduce the size of the bone column fusing vertebral bodies, while open channel designs increase pressure on endplates and hinder bone graft integration.
Innovation Solution
Implants with a web structure featuring a space truss design, comprising planar and space trusses with micro-trusses, distribute loads and provide additional surface area for bone graft fusion, incorporating bone growth promoting agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large rims are used in implants to provide contact area between the implant and vertebral endplates, then the contact area is increased, but bone growth is impeded and the size of the bone column fusing vertebral bodies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant structure is divided into multiple components: a central body with open channels, separate superior and inferior rims, and internal web structures. This segmentation allows the rims to provide contact area while the open channels and web structures permit bone growth through the implant, resolving the contradiction between contact area and bone growth promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant incorporates open channels and web structures that create a porous or open framework. This allows bone graft material to be packed into the implant and provides pathways for bone growth through the implant body, maintaining contact area while promoting bone integration and bone column formation.
2Area of stationary object
If large rims are used in implants, then contact area is increased, but loads are concentrated and distributed force is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a central body and separate rim structures connected by web structures. This segmentation allows loads to be distributed through the web structures to the central body, preventing concentration of forces at the rim-endplate interface while maintaining adequate contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design transitions from a solid two-dimensional contact surface to a three-dimensional open framework with web structures. This adds a new dimension for load distribution through the internal web structure, allowing forces to be dispersed throughout the implant volume rather than concentrated at the contact interfaces.
3Strength
If open channel design is used in implants, then bone growth pathways are provided, but pressure on vertebral endplates is increased and bone graft integration is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into a central body containing open channels and separate rim structures. This segmentation allows the open channels to provide bone growth pathways while the rim structures distribute compressive loads away from the endplates, reducing pressure on the vertebral bone while maintaining bone growth capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of implant systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described herein. In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure, including a space truss, configured to interface with human bone tissue. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes. Implants may be coated with or include fibers or particles to enhance bone growth around and through the implant.