Extra-articular Spring Load Transfer for Knee Osteoarthritis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement and osteotomy procedures for osteoarthritis are invasive and result in long recovery times, lack of chondro-protection, and inability to control joint load, leading to further damage and pain due to imbalanced loading on the joint.
Innovation Solution
A load transferring system comprising two bases coupled to bones defining a joint and a spring that exerts a tensile force between the bases during flexion, transferring load from the lateral compartment of the knee joint to the medial compartment to balance loads and alleviate pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If joint replacement or osteotomy procedures are performed to treat osteoarthritis, then pain relief and joint function are improved, but the procedures are highly invasive and require substantial recovery periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing system as an intermediary device that spans the tibiofemoral joint and is anchored into the tibia and femur. This mediator absorbs mechanical energy and reduces loads on the articular surfaces without requiring replacement of the joint surfaces themselves, thereby avoiding the invasiveness and long recovery associated with traditional joint replacement procedures
2Reliability
If traditional arthroplasty procedures are performed, then joint surfaces are replaced or realigned, but chondrocytes are removed or left to contend with new joint anatomy and injury, resulting in no chondro-protection
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing system acts as a protective intermediary that reduces mechanical loads on the articular surfaces and chondrocytes. By absorbing excess energy and reducing peak loads, the device protects cartilage and chondrocytes from further injury while allowing the joint to maintain its natural anatomy and physiology
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides beforehand cushioning by being implanted prior to potential further cartilage damage. It continuously absorbs mechanical energy and reduces loads on the articular surfaces, protecting chondrocytes from future injury and creating a more favorable environment for cartilage preservation and potential regeneration
3Shape
If osteotomy procedures are performed to improve joint alignment, then mechanical alignment is corrected, but ligamentous instability is not addressed and results deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical alignment correction through osteotomy with ligamentous stabilization through the extra-articular implantable energy absorbing system. The device addresses both mechanical alignment and ligamentous instability simultaneously, providing comprehensive treatment that prevents the deterioration seen with osteotomy alone
4Reliability
If load transferring system with spring is implanted, then load is transferred from lateral to medial compartment reducing pain, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load transfer function from the joint itself and places it in an extra-articular energy absorbing system. By taking the load management function out of the joint, the device simplifies the overall system while providing effective load transfer from the lateral to medial compartment, reducing pain without requiring complex intra-articular modifications
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
The system effectively reduces pain and load on the lateral compartment, enhances joint function, and supports natural motion by transferring load from the lateral to the medial compartment during flexion, potentially promoting cartilage regeneration and reducing osteoarthritis progression.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to couple to the bases. The spring may be configured to exert a tensile force between the bases during flexion of the joint
Data Source
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AI summary
Load transferring systems and related methods for transferring load in a joint are provided. The load transferring system may include two bases configured to couple to bones defining a joint and a spring configured to couple to the bases. The spring may be configured to exert a tensile force between the bases during flexion of the joint. The load transferring system may be employed to treat symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment of the knee joint. Thus, the bases may respectively couple to the femur and tibia. The spring may exert tensile force therebetween during flexion of the knee joint so as to unload the lateral compartment of the knee joint by transferring load from the lateral compartment of the knee joint to the medial compartment of the knee joint.