Tibia Implant with Porous Sponge Structure for Bone Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tibia implants for tightening patella tendons are too filigree, unable to absorb forces, and poorly anchored to the bone, leading to rapid deformation and inadequate connection.
Innovation Solution
A tibia implant featuring a sponge structure with a lattice design and a base plate, including a circumferential support frame and protruding spikes, made from materials like stainless steel or titanium, which provides dimensional stability, supports forces, and facilitates bone integration through hydroxyapatite coating and adjustable fastening loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a filigree wire frame implant is used, then the implant is flexible and can be inserted into the incision, but it is incapable of absorbing forces and deforms rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous sponge structure made of biocompatible material as the core implant component. This porous structure provides both mechanical strength for force absorption and flexibility for insertion into the incision. The porous nature allows bone ingrowth while maintaining structural integrity under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a porous sponge structure for force absorption and flexibility, a metal support frame for dimensional stability and strength, and hydroxyapatite coating for bone integration. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between softness/insertability and strength/force absorption.
2Ease of operation
If a filigree wire frame implant is used, then the implant can be inserted into the incision, but it is only poorly connected or anchored to the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The porous sponge structure provides a large surface area and interconnected pores that facilitate bone ingrowth and biological fixation. This ensures reliable long-term anchoring to the bone while maintaining the flexibility needed for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant features localized variations in structure and material properties: the porous sponge provides biological integration at the bone interface, while the metal support frame provides structural stability. This local differentiation optimizes both insertability and bone connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the implant has a simple structure, then it is easy to manufacture and insert, but it lacks dimensional stability and cannot support great forces
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct functional segments: a porous sponge core for force absorption and biological integration, a metal support frame for dimensional stability, and hydroxyapatite coating for bone attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of porous sponge material, metal frame, and hydroxyapatite coating creates a composite structure that achieves dimensional stability and force-bearing capacity without excessive complexity in manufacturing.
4Reliability
If the sponge structure has large pore size, then it promotes bone integration, but it reduces structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The implant features localized variations in pore size and material density: larger pores in regions requiring bone ingrowth, and denser structures in regions requiring higher mechanical strength. This local optimization allows simultaneous achievement of bone integration and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines porous sponge material optimized for bone integration with a metal support frame providing structural strength, allowing the system to achieve both large effective pore size for bone growth and adequate mechanical strength.
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 implant achieves enhanced dimensional stability, absorbs significant forces, and promotes strong bone integration, ensuring effective tendon tightening and long-term anchoring.
Implementation Method 1
the spikes are smaller in the region of the wedge cut and/or protrude less out of the sponge structure than on the opposing wider end... facilitates bone integration through hydroxyapatite coating
Data Source
AI summary
A tibia implant for tightening the patella tendons, has a vertical cross section which in mounted position tapers downward, an essentially vertically arranged base plate which carries a sponge structure, wherein the sponge structure on both sides rests against a respective vertical cut surface of a vertical knee proximal incision of the tibia.