Spinal Implant Micro-Truss Structure for Bone In-Growth
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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, leading to stress risers and poor bone graft integration due to open channel designs and high-pressure bone graft environments.
Innovation Solution
A web structure formed from a plurality of struts joined at nodes, with predetermined dimensions and properties to create microstrain and osteogenic response, distributing loads and promoting bone growth through a micro-truss design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large rims are used in implants, then support area is increased, but bone growth is impeded and stress concentration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant structure is segmented into a modular design comprising superior and inferior end caps connected by vertical struts, forming an open lattice framework. This segmentation eliminates the continuous large rim structure while distributing load across multiple discrete load-bearing elements, reducing stress concentration on any single region of the vertebral endplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant employs an open lattice framework with porous characteristics that allows bone ingrowth through the structure. The interconnected void spaces within the lattice provide pathways for bone tissue penetration and integration, eliminating the solid rim structure that previously impeded bone growth while maintaining structural support functionality.
2Ease of operation
If open channel design is used, then bone graft material can be inserted, but bone graft material cannot secure itself to the implant
Solution Approach 1:
The open lattice framework provides a porous structure with interconnected void spaces that mechanically interlock with bone graft material. The three-dimensional lattice architecture allows bone graft to be embedded within the structure while maintaining secure attachment through physical interlocking, eliminating the need for separate fixation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design creates a composite structure where the lattice framework and bone graft material work together as an integrated unit. The open channels and void spaces are specifically configured to accommodate bone graft material, creating a composite construct that combines the mechanical properties of the implant with the biological properties of the bone graft for enhanced integration.
3Strength
If high-pressure state is applied to bone graft material, then bone graft material can be packed securely, but creating and maintaining high-pressure environment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice framework is pre-configured with void spaces and open channels that are specifically designed to accommodate and secure bone graft material during insertion. The structural geometry is predetermined to provide mechanical interlocking capability, eliminating the need for post-insertion pressurization or complex pressure maintenance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The open lattice structure provides self-securing properties through its geometric configuration, where the void spaces and strut arrangements automatically mechanically interlock with bone graft material upon insertion. The structure serves its own fixation function without requiring external pressurization devices or complex pressure control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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. Implant are optimized for the expected stress applied at the bone structure site.