Subchondral Bone Defect Treatment via Targeted Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for osteoarthritis, such as high tibial osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty, are invasive, have limited durability, and do not consistently provide pain relief, especially when preserving the joint is desired, as they focus on articular surface rather than subchondral bone defects.
Innovation Solution
The SUBCHONDROPLASTY(TM) procedure involves a system with injectable materials and guiding instruments to treat subchondral defects by mechanically stabilizing and biologically stimulating the bone, addressing pain at its source in the subchondral region to restore natural joint function and alleviate inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical treatments such as high tibial osteotomy or total knee arthroplasty are performed, then pain relief and joint function restoration are achieved, but the procedures are invasive, have limited durability, and do not consistently provide reliable pain relief
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and treats only the subchondral bone defect specifically, rather than performing comprehensive joint replacement or osteotomy. By isolating and treating the root cause (subchondral defect) with targeted injection, the procedure achieves pain relief without the complexity and invasiveness of traditional surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment applies local quality by delivering specific therapeutic materials (bone void filler, growth factors, or bone marrow aspirate) directly to the subchondral defect site. This localized treatment addresses the specific pathological area without subjecting the entire joint to invasive surgical procedures, thereby improving reliability while reducing overall surgical complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional surgical treatments are performed to address joint pain, then some pain relief is achieved, but the procedures fail to preserve the joint and have limited durability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by treating the subchondral bone defect early in the disease progression, before complete joint failure occurs. By stabilizing the subchondral bone and promoting healing at this preliminary stage, the procedure preserves the natural joint for longer periods, extending treatment durability while avoiding the harmful effect of premature joint replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment utilizes the patient's own biological resources (bone marrow aspirate containing stem cells and growth factors) to promote healing and regeneration of the subchondral bone. This self-service approach enhances the body's natural repair mechanisms, leading to more durable outcomes and joint preservation compared to passive joint replacement procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-surgical treatments such as medication or injection are administered, then pain management is provided, but these treatments do not address the underlying subchondral bone defect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses bone void filler materials and growth factors as intermediaries to bridge the gap between simple pain management and comprehensive defect treatment. These intermediary substances are injected directly into the subchondral defect, providing both immediate pain relief and long-term structural stabilization, thereby simultaneously addressing pain management and defect treatment effectiveness.
Data Source
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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.