Subchondral Bone Repair System with Settable Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for articular cartilage and subchondral bone damage, such as anti-inflammatory medications, viscosupplementation, arthroscopic chondroplasty, autogenous cell implantation, microfracture, and osteochondral transplantation, fail to effectively promote repair and regeneration of the underlying bone, leading to continued degeneration and potential need for joint replacement.
Innovation Solution
A novel device with a structural core component and a settable fluid component that penetrates into the surrounding bone to create a bond, promoting cellular ingrowth and mechanical stimulation, while displacing edema fluids and transmitting mechanical forces to facilitate the repair and regrowth of subchondral bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, viscosupplementation, arthroscopic chondroplasty, microfracture, and osteochondral transplantation are used, then symptoms of cartilage damage and arthritis are treated or cartilage repair is attempted, but the underlying subchondral bone damage is not addressed, leading to continued degeneration and potential osteonecrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cartilage repair functions with subchondral bone treatment in a single integrated device. The implant includes both a cartilage replacement component and a bone treatment component that delivers therapeutic agents directly to the subchondral bone, merging two previously separate treatment approaches into one comprehensive solution that addresses both cartilage and underlying bone damage simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The implant device performs multiple functions: it replaces damaged cartilage, treats subchondral bone damage, prevents osteonecrosis, and promotes bone regeneration. The device is designed to address various aspects of osteochondral defects through its structural components and integrated drug delivery system, making it a universal solution for comprehensive joint repair
2Reliability
If joint replacement surgery is performed, then the artificial implant is placed over the exposed bone and held in place with cement, but the subchondral bone is removed entirely and cannot be treated or regenerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating and preparing the subchondral bone before final implant placement. The bone treatment component delivers therapeutic agents to the subchondral bone in advance to promote healing and regeneration, creating a healthy bone bed that supports long-term implant stability and allows for future bone growth
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the biological parameters of the subchondral bone by delivering therapeutic agents that alter bone metabolism, promote osteogenesis, and prevent osteonecrosis. This transforms the bone from a damaged, non-regenerative state to a healthy, regenerative state that can support the implant and restore joint function
3Strength
If the device penetrates into the surrounding bone to create a bond, then mechanical stimulation and cellular ingrowth are promoted, but edema fluids must be displaced to prevent osteonecrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful edema fluids from the subchondral bone through the device's penetration channels. The bone treatment component acts as a drainage system that removes excess fluid and inflammatory byproducts from the damaged bone tissue, preventing osteonecrosis while allowing the device to establish mechanical bonds with the surrounding bone
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 device effectively prevents edema formation, promotes healthy bone growth, and supports the regeneration of both cartilage and bone tissue, reducing the risk of osteonecrosis and joint destruction, thereby addressing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a settable fluid component for placement within said bone void region, wherein the fluid component partially penetrates into the bone surrounding the bone void region after placement but prior to setting
Implementation Method 2
transmitting mechanical forces to facilitate the repair and regrowth of subchondral bone
Implementation Method 3
displacing edema fluids and transmitting mechanical forces
Data Source
AI summary
This invention includes a subchondral bone repair system, comprising a structural component and a fluid settable component and an optional non-core component. The fluid settable component may penetrate into any pores of the structural component, and set to a solid, thereby fixing the structural component in place. The fluid settable component will penetrate interporously into the pores of the subchondral bone tissue surrounding the device, beneficially displacing any fluid to reduce edema in the affected bone region. Furthermore, the settable component, once solid is osteoconductive to promote repair and regrowth of bone in the affected region, and will also transmit mechanical force stimuli (such as compressive forces) directed through the structural component, into the adjacent bone tissue, thereby providing appropriate force stimuli necessary for appropriate tissue growth.