Subchondral Bone Treatment for Joint Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, such as high tibial osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty, are invasive, have limited durability, and do not consistently provide reliable pain relief while preserving joint function.
Innovation Solution
The SUBCHONDROPLASTY™ procedure involves diagnosing and treating joint pain at the subchondral level by mechanically stabilizing or biologically stimulating bone defects in the subchondral region to restore normal force distribution and joint function, using instruments and implants to guide tools to precise locations within the bone, and injecting materials like calcium phosphate cement to enhance bone strength and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical treatments like high tibial osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty are used to treat joint pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the treatments are invasive and have limited durability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by treating only the specific subchondral bone defect area rather than the entire joint. The implant is precisely positioned at the defect site to provide localized mechanical support and stimulate bone healing, avoiding the need for invasive procedures like osteotomy or arthroplasty while still achieving reliable pain relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the subchondral bone by introducing an implant that alters the mechanical properties of the defective bone region. The implant modifies local stress distribution and stimulates bone remodeling, transforming the pathological bone tissue into healthy, load-bearing bone over time.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical treatments are performed to relieve joint pain, then pain management is improved, but joint function preservation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By focusing treatment on the specific subchondral defect rather than the entire joint, the invention preserves the natural joint structure and function in unaffected areas. The localized approach maintains normal joint biomechanics while providing consistent pain relief at the treatment site.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant stimulates the bone's natural healing and remodeling processes, allowing the body to regenerate healthy bone tissue and restore joint function autonomously. This self-service mechanism preserves joint function by leveraging the body's own regenerative capabilities rather than replacing joint structures.
3Strength
If invasive surgical procedures are used to treat subchondral defects, then structural integrity is restored, but recovery time and patient morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The minimally invasive implantation procedure restores structural integrity only at the specific defect site, avoiding extensive surgical intervention. This localized approach significantly reduces recovery time and patient morbidity compared to traditional invasive procedures while still achieving the necessary structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical surgical procedures (osteotomy, arthroplasty) with a simpler implantation process that achieves similar structural restoration goals. The implant provides immediate mechanical support while the minimally invasive delivery system reduces surgical trauma and accelerates recovery.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments provide devices and methods that both strengthen the bone and stimulate the bone. Bone fractures or non-unions are stabilized, integrated or healed, which results in reduction of a bone defect, such as a bone marrow lesion or edema. In addition, the distribution of forces in a joint are restored or altered to relieve pain. In general, a joint is evaluated by taking an image of the joint and one or more subchondral defects are detected. At least one of the subchondral defects may be diagnosed as the source of pain and an extent of treatment for the subchondral defect is determined. The disclosed devices and techniques are particularly suited for treating chronic defects or injuries, where the patient's natural healing response has not resolved the defect. The present disclosure also provides several exemplary treatment modalities for the different extents of treatment needed.