Targeted Knee Resurfacing Implants Preserving Healthy Bone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee replacement implants are not suitable for treating small cartilage lesions in early-onset arthritis, as they require excessive removal of healthy bone and cartilage, and may need to be replaced during a patient's lifetime, necessitating a solution that preserves as much healthy bone as possible.
Innovation Solution
The development of unicompartmental targeted or focal joint resurfacing implants with reduced implant footprints, allowing for minimal resection of articulating joint surfaces, and featuring porous metal structures for strong fixation and osteointegration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If total or partial knee replacement is performed, then pain relief and joint function are improved, but excessive healthy bone and cartilage are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The knee replacement is divided into separate femoral and tibial components that can be independently sized and positioned. Each component addresses only the specific defect area rather than requiring replacement of the entire joint surface, enabling targeted treatment that preserves healthy bone and cartilage.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant components are designed with localized bearing surfaces that match the specific geometry and extent of the cartilage lesion. The femoral component features a convex bearing surface and the tibial component features a concave bearing surface, both tailored to the local defect characteristics rather than requiring uniform replacement of the entire joint surface.
2Reliability
If knee replacement implants are used, then joint function is restored, but implants may need replacement during patient's lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design incorporates porous metal structures with controlled porosity parameters that promote osteointegration and biological fixation. The porous architecture allows bone ingrowth, creating a living bond between the implant and host bone that strengthens over time, potentially extending implant lifespan and reducing revision needs.
3Loss of substance
If minimal resection of articulating joint surfaces is performed, then healthy bone is preserved, but implant fixation strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The implant components incorporate porous metal structures on their bone-contacting surfaces. The porous architecture provides large surface area for bone ingrowth while maintaining mechanical strength. Bone cells can migrate into and through the porous structure, creating a interlocking biological-mechanical fixation that achieves strong anchorage without requiring extensive bone resection.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant design combines different materials with complementary properties: porous metal structures for bone fixation, smooth bearing surfaces for joint articulation, and potentially coating materials to enhance osteointegration. This composite approach allows each material to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve both minimal bone removal and strong fixation.
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
These implants effectively treat early arthritis and subchondral bone defects while preserving healthy bone, providing a better surgical outcome for potential future replacements and improving patient mobility.
Implementation Method 1
featuring porous metal structures for strong fixation and osteointegration
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes examples of an implant system configured for targeted joint resurfacing in which only an area including the osteochondral defect is resected, wherein the area resected occupies an area smaller than an entire joint surface. The implant system can include a monolithic first implant with 3D printed metal and a second implant including a plastic portion overmolded onto a metal portion. The metal portion of the second implant also includes 3D printed metal. The first and/or second implants include solid metal portion(s) and porous metal portion(s). In an example, the first implant can be a femoral implant and the second implant can be a tibial implant. The first and second implants can be used on their own or in tandem.