Transducer Module Stimulating Bone Remodeling in Osteoarthritis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee, are primarily symptom-focused and lack a noninvasive method for addressing the underlying pathophysiological changes involving bone remodeling and vascular congestion, which contribute to disease progression.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing electromagnetic stimulation and/or ultrasound to stimulate bone remodeling, bone cells, and pericytes at the affected joint, employing transducer modules and signal generators to deliver stimulative signals, thereby alleviating venous congestion and improving nutrient delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If current treatments (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid injections) are used to manage osteoarthritis symptoms, then pain and inflammation are alleviated, but the underlying bone remodeling dysfunction and vascular congestion remain untreated, leading to disease progression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymptom managementVSAvoiddisease progression prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological chemical treatments with a physical field-based system using pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and ultrasound to stimulate bone remodeling and improve vascular function, thereby addressing the root cause rather than just symptoms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields and ultrasound waves as intermediary energy forms that can penetrate tissues to directly stimulate cellular processes in bone and vascular structures, bridging the gap between external treatment application and internal physiological repair mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If surgical treatments (arthroscopy, meniscectomy, osteotomy, knee replacement) are performed to address severe osteoarthritis, then structural damage is corrected or replaced, but the noninvasive stimulation of natural bone remodeling and vascular improvement is bypassed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structural integrityVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the body's own bone remodeling mechanisms and vascular systems to repair and strengthen joint structures through stimulation by PEMF and ultrasound, allowing the biological system to perform its own repair function without surgical intervention or implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using surgery to mechanically correct structural problems, the patent inverts the approach by using physical field stimulation to biologically induce structural improvement through enhanced bone remodeling and vascular function, achieving structural integrity through physiological processes rather than mechanical correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If no treatment is applied to subchondral bone vascular congestion, then the vascular system continues to contribute to increased intraosseous pressure and venous congestion, but addressing this noninvasively has been previously unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevascular congestionVSAvoidtreatment modality availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional treatment system where PEMF and ultrasound therapies simultaneously address multiple pathological aspects of osteoarthritis including bone remodeling dysfunction, vascular congestion, and tissue repair, providing a versatile noninvasive modality that can adapt to different stages and manifestations of the disease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach noninvasively addresses the underlying bone remodeling and vascular issues in osteoarthritis, potentially slowing disease progression and alleviating pain through targeted stimulation of bone cells and pericytes, offering an enhanced treatment option beyond existing symptom management.

Implementation Method 1

employing transducer modules and signal generators to deliver stimulative signals, thereby alleviating venous congestion and improving nutrient delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic stimulation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the stimulative signals may include electromagnetic signals and/or ultrasound signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS8972019B2Method and device for treating osteoarthritis noninvasively

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 WILLEFORD KENNETH L

AI summary

Methods and devices are provided for OA treatment of an affected area or joint. In one embodiment, the method may involve identifying a treatment site of the joint, and providing at least one transducer module at the treatment site. The at least one transducer module may be in operative communication with a signal generator module, and may include transducer(s) for delivering stimulative signals (e.g., electromagnetic signals and/or ultrasound signals). The method may also involve stimulating (a) bone remodeling, (b) bone cells and associated precursors, and/or (c) pericytes with the stimulative signals delivered to the treatment site.