Unlinked Implantable Knee Device for Load Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement and osteotomy procedures are invasive, lead to long recovery times, and fail to address ligamentous instability and optimal load management, resulting in inadequate pain relief and joint protection for patients with osteoarthritis.
Innovation Solution
Development of an implantable unloading device with unlinked components that absorb and redistribute joint loads, allowing for energy storage and transfer, while maintaining natural joint motion, and can be customized for specific joint conditions and loading phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If joint replacement or osteotomy procedures are performed, then joint function can be restored or improved, but the procedures are highly invasive and require substantial recovery periods
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the joint support function into separate unlinked members that attach to different bones (femur and tibia) and work independently yet cooperatively to provide joint unloading, avoiding the need for invasive joint replacement while maintaining joint function
Solution Approach 2:
The unlinked members act as intermediary elements that transfer and redistribute loads across the joint without direct joint replacement, using biasing structures to provide controlled support and reduce dependency on invasive procedures
2Shape
If traditional osteotomy procedures are performed to realign bones, then mechanical alignment is improved, but ligamentous instability is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The unlinked members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical alignment correction like osteotomy while also stabilizing ligaments through their attachment points and biasing structures, addressing both alignment and stability issues in a single device
3Ease of operation
If joint surfaces are modified through arthroplasty procedures, then joint movement is restored, but chondrocytes are removed or damaged without chondro-protection
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the load-bearing function from the vulnerable articular cartilage and chondrocytes by introducing external unlinked members that carry the load, allowing joint movement to continue while protecting cartilage cells from damaging stresses
4Force
If rigid constructs are used to control joint loads, then load reduction is achieved, but natural joint motion and energy absorption are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing structures in the unlinked members provide dynamic, adaptive support that adjusts to natural joint motion and loading patterns, allowing the device to reduce harmful loads while preserving physiological joint movement and energy absorption characteristics
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 effectively reduces joint pain and slows disease progression by absorbing energy, maintaining joint alignment, and enhancing ligament function, allowing for reduced recovery times and improved joint health without compromising natural motion.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member is disposed between at least one of the first mating portion and the first member and the second mating portion and the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.