Transcutaneous Joint Unloading With Adjustable Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for osteoarthritis, such as joint replacement and external braces, are invasive and fail to effectively control joint loads, leading to patient discomfort and limited joint function, while existing implantable devices lack adjustability and compatibility with natural joint motion.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous joint unloading device with external components, featuring adjustable bone anchors and energy absorbers, that minimizes joint loading by absorbing and redistributing forces, allowing for varying degrees of load manipulation and joint motion preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If joint replacement or external braces are used to treat osteoarthritis, then pain relief is achieved, but the procedures are highly invasive and require substantial recovery periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extra-articular implantable joint unloading device as an intermediary structure positioned alongside the painful joint. This device bears some of the load normally borne by the joint, reducing pain by cushioning the joint from excessive loading without requiring invasive joint replacement surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for invasive mechanical joint replacement with a less invasive extra-articular unloading device that uses elastic elements to provide mechanical load-bearing support to the joint, achieving pain relief through a different mechanical approach
2Force
If external braces or fixators are used to control joint motion and apply cross-loads, then load shifting is achieved, but patient discomfort increases and natural joint motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an extra-articular unloading device as an intermediary that applies cross-loads to shift load from one side of the joint to the other, similar to external braces but with improved patient comfort and preserved natural joint motion due to its implantable design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic elements with varying stiffness characteristics to control and redistribute joint loads, allowing for load shifting while maintaining patient comfort and natural joint motion through optimized mechanical properties
3Ease of operation
If traditional arthroplasty procedures are performed to replace joint surfaces, then joint function is restored, but chondrocytes are removed or left to contend with altered joint anatomy, resulting in loss of chondro-protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extra-articular unloading device as a protective intermediary that bears load and cushions the joint from excessive loading, preserving chondrocytes and cartilage by reducing mechanical stress without requiring joint surface replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by positioning the extra-articular unloading device to bear load before excessive loading can damage the joint, protecting cartilage and chondrocytes in advance through load distribution
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 provides effective pain relief and joint protection by reducing load on natural joints, preserving motion, and can be adjusted to meet changing patient needs, promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
the load absorber reducing load on the natural joint
Implementation Method 2
A transcutaneous joint unloading device with external components, featuring adjustable bone anchors and energy absorbers
Data Source
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AI summary
Various methods for treating a joint are disclosed herein. According to one method, a joint is surgically treated by performing a surgical repair treatment on tissue within the joint capsule; implanting a load reducing device (21) at the joint and entirely outside of the joint capsule to reduce load transmitted by the treated tissue to allow for the tissue within the joint capsule to heal; and partially unloading the joint during healing of the surgical repair site.