Tasseled Cortical Bone Graft Conformability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone grafts face challenges such as limited flexibility, difficulty in conforming to complex bone shapes, and risks associated with surgical procedures like bleeding, infection, and graft rejection, which hinder effective bone healing and integration.
Innovation Solution
A tasseled cortical bone graft is developed by demineralizing cortical bone into thin strips or tubes, creating flexible strands or tassels that can be woven or braided, allowing for conformability and versatility in shape and application, including use with stem cells and various bone materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bone grafts are used, then bone grafting can be performed, but the grafts have limited flexibility and difficulty in conforming to complex bone shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The bone graft is divided into multiple tassels or strands that can be individually manipulated and woven together, allowing the graft to conform to complex bone shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The graft utilizes thin cortical bone strips that are demineralized to create flexibility, allowing the material to be shaped and contoured to match complex bone surfaces while maintaining sufficient strength for bone regeneration
2Adaptability or versatility
If cortical bone is demineralized to increase flexibility, then formed flexibility is achieved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The degree of demineralization is precisely controlled to achieve the optimal balance between flexibility and strength, allowing the bone graft to be sufficiently pliable for shaping while retaining enough structural integrity to support bone regeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The graft combines demineralized cortical bone strips with remaining mineral components to create a composite structure that exhibits both flexibility from the organic matrix and strength from the residual mineral content
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tasseled cortical bone graft and a method of preparing cortical bone in thin strips or tubes then fully demineralizing it to give it formed flexibility and then creating a plurality of strands extending from one or more connection locations in the cortical bone in a fashion similar to a tassel.