Joint Replacement Spacer With Elastomeric Bumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint replacement methods often require the removal of healthy bone tissue, leading to incomplete restoration and potential long-term complications due to the use of rigid fixation devices that create stress on the bone.
Innovation Solution
A joint replacement spacer system that replaces only the diseased portion of a bone by creating a cut surface and cavity, allowing a primary surface to articulate with the healthy bone's articular surface while a secondary surface with bumps moves within the cavity, eliminating the need for stem-like fixation and promoting natural load distribution and bone health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fixation devices are used to replace bone, then structural support is provided, but stress concentration and bone damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fixation device by using a compliant material (silicone rubber) with elastomeric properties instead of rigid materials. This allows the device to deform elastically under load, distributing stress evenly across the bone interface and preventing stress concentration while maintaining structural support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining silicone rubber base material with embedded reinforcement elements (such as wire mesh or fabric layers) to achieve both compliance and structural integrity. This composite approach provides the necessary strength for structural support while the rubber matrix absorbs and distributes stresses, eliminating the harmful stress concentration effect
2Reliability
If healthy bone tissue is removed to accommodate fixation devices, then secure anchoring is achieved, but bone loss and incomplete restoration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible silicone rubber shell structure that can be molded to conform precisely to the existing bone anatomy and cavity shape. This flexible shell provides secure anchoring through friction and mechanical interlocking with minimal bone removal, eliminating the need for extensive healthy bone resection required by rigid fixation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement device is designed as a segmented or modular structure that can be inserted into the bone cavity in sections or as a pre-formed implant. The segmented design allows for precise fitting within the available bone space without requiring removal of healthy surrounding bone tissue, achieving secure anchoring while preserving bone
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spacer is fully fixed to the bone, then stability is achieved, but natural motion and load distribution are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the silicone rubber spacer to exhibit dynamic behavior through elastic deformation. The device is anchored at certain regions while allowing controlled motion in other areas, enabling natural joint movement and load distribution. The elastomeric material continuously adapts its shape during motion, maintaining stability while facilitating physiological movement patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Joint replacement spacers that fully seat against the cut surface of a bone while remaining free to move on the cut surface within prescribed limits; methods of joint replacement using such spacers.