Web Structure Spinal Implant for Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal implants with large rims impede bone growth, increase pressure on vertebral endplates, and reduce the effectiveness of bone graft material in fusing vertebrae, due to their open channel design and high-pressure environments, which are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A web structure implant featuring a space truss configuration with elastic or viscoelastic struts, designed to interface with bone tissue, allowing for flexibility and differential deformation strengths, materials, and diameters, which distributes forces and promotes bone growth by providing a conducive environment for fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If large rims with solid material are used to provide contact area between implant and vertebral endplates, then support between vertebrae is improved, but bone growth is impeded and the size of the bone column fusing the superior and inferior vertebral bodies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant divides the contact surface into multiple discrete posts rather than a continuous solid rim, allowing bone growth in the spaces between posts while maintaining support function
Solution Approach 2:
The implant provides support only at specific localized points (posts) rather than across the entire contact area, allowing different regions to serve different functions (support vs. bone growth)
2Ease of operation
If open channel design is used to allow bone graft material placement, then bone graft insertion is facilitated, but compressive forces between vertebral endplates increase pressure on smaller areas and create stress risers
Solution Approach 1:
The open channel is divided into multiple smaller channels or spaces between posts, distributing the compressive forces across more areas and reducing stress concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a single open channel to a three-dimensional array of posts and spaces, allowing force distribution in multiple directions and reducing localized pressure
3Strength
If high-pressure state is applied to bone graft material to prevent loosening and promote fusion, then bone graft stability and fusion strength are improved, but maintaining high-pressure environment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design allows for dynamic compression where bone graft material is compacted during insertion and maintains pressure through the mechanical interaction with vertebral endplates rather than requiring active pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The implant structure itself generates and maintains the necessary pressure environment through its geometric configuration and interaction with bone, eliminating the need for external pressure application devices
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 web structure implant enhances bone growth and fusion by reducing stress risers, increasing the surface area for bone graft integration, and maintaining a high-pressure environment conducive to strong bone fusion, while accommodating the natural flexibility of bone structures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more struts are composed of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
one or more struts may be formed from a viscoelastic material
Implementation Method 3
a web structure, including a space truss, configured to interface with human bone tissue including cells, matrix, mechanical forces, and ionic milieu
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of implant systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are disclosed. In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure, including a space truss, configured to interface with human bone tissue. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes. Implants include one or more flexible struts that impart flexibility to the implant.