Strut Framework Bone Graft Containment with Plate Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bone grafts often fail to remain in place at the target site during healing due to the lack of a containment device, leading to ineffective integration with the surrounding bone.
Innovation Solution
A bone graft containment device with a strut framework designed to match the outer surface of a target bone, featuring a mesh structure for vascularization and a fixation plate attachment system to stabilize the graft in place, which can be customized using 3D printing for precise patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bone graft is placed without a containment device, then the placement procedure is simple, but the graft falls away from the target site and fails to integrate with the healing bone
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is divided into multiple struts that form a framework structure, allowing the device to be customized to fit specific bone defect geometries while maintaining structural integrity for reliable graft retention
Solution Approach 2:
The bone graft material is contained within the strut framework structure, with the graft nested inside the three-dimensional framework that provides both containment and structural support
2Reliability
If a containment device is added to hold the bone graft, then the graft remains at the target site, but the device requires additional components and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The containment function and the fixation function are merged into a single integrated device. The strut framework provides both graft containment and structural support, eliminating the need for separate containment and fixation components
Solution Approach 2:
The strut framework serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the bone graft material, provides structural support, allows for customization to match bone geometry, and enables fixation to the underlying bone structure
3Reliability
If a custom-shaped containment device is used to match the target bone surface, then the graft is retained effectively, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device geometry parameters can be customized to match specific patient anatomy and defect characteristics. The modular strut framework allows for adjustment of dimensions, shape, and configuration to achieve optimal fit and retention for each unique case
Solution Approach 2:
The strut framework can be locally customized to match the specific geometry of the bone defect and surrounding anatomy. Different regions of the framework can have varying strut densities, orientations, and dimensions to optimize both retention and integration with the target bone surface
Data Source
AI summary
A bone graft containment device includes a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The body is defined via a strut framework sized and shaped to correspond to an outer surface of a target bone. The strut framework defines an interior space configured to receive a bone graft or bone graft substitute material. The device also includes a first grasping structure and a second grasping structure extending from an exterior of the body. The first and second grasping structures are configured to receive a bone fixation plate therebetween.