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Publication Number
US-12263094-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to an implant for interfacing with a bone structure. The implant includes an external frame defining an exterior surface and an internal space truss structure at least partially enclosed by the external frame. The internal space structure includes a plurality of truss units coupled together with struts joined at nodes.
At least some of the struts extend into a central portion of the internal space truss structure. A first set of struts extending into the central portion has a first diameter, and a second set of struts extending into the central portion has a second diameter different from the first diameter.
The implant web structure is described as providing biomechanical support through tensile, compressive, and shear support characteristics while reducing stress risers and increasing surface area for bone graft fusion. The architecture also includes external truss portions angled to provide lordosis, central struts passing through a central portion, and truss-on-contact-face concepts using openings defined by cut or slit regions and cutting members during implantation.
In further embodiments, the implant struts can be provided with optional coatings or infusion with biologics, growth factors, and antimicrobials, and the document describes making the implant using electron-beam melting (EBM). Illustrative embodiments include spine and intervertebral implants, corpectomy devices, hip and knee implants, long bone reconstruction scaffolds, cranio-maxillofacial implants, and an osteotomy implant for a void near an ankle or knee.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims: an implant claim and a method claim. Both independent claims share the core architecture of an external frame enclosing an internal space truss structure formed by coupled truss units with struts joined at nodes, where struts extend into a central portion with first and second diameter sets.
External frame enclosing internal space truss with coupled truss units
An implant for interfacing with a bone structure, comprising an external frame defining an exterior surface of the implant, and an internal space truss structure at least partially enclosed by the external frame, wherein the internal space structure includes a plurality of truss units coupled together, the truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes.
Central portion strut diameter differentiation
The implant of the preceding feature, wherein at least some of the struts extending into the central portion have a first diameter and a second set of struts extending into the central portion have a second diameter different from the first diameter.
Accessing a space proximate human bone tissue and inserting the implant
A method, comprising accessing a space proximate a bone structure comprising human bone tissue; and inserting an implant into the space, wherein the implant comprises an external frame defining an exterior surface of the implant; and an internal space truss structure at least partially enclosed by the external frame, wherein the internal space structure includes a plurality of truss units coupled together, the truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes, at least some of the struts extending into a central portion of the internal space truss structure.
Method using implant with first and second central strut diameters
The method of the preceding feature, wherein a first set of struts extending into the central portion have a first diameter and a second set of struts extending into the central portion have a second diameter different from the first diameter.
Across both independent claims, the inventive focus is on an implant with an external frame enclosing an internal space truss made of coupled truss units with struts joined at nodes, where struts extending into a central portion include at least two sets with different diameters; the method claim applies this implant by accessing a space proximate human bone tissue and inserting the implant.
Stated Advantages
Provides tensile/compressive/shear support characteristics.
Reduces stress risers.
Increases surface area for bone graft fusion.
Documented Applications
Spine and intervertebral implants, including spinal fusion (ALIF/PLIF) described as an illustrative embodiment.
Corpectomy device described as an illustrative embodiment.
Hip replacement implant described as an illustrative embodiment.
Knee replacement implant described as an illustrative embodiment.
Long bone reconstruction scaffold described as an illustrative embodiment.
Cranio-maxillofacial implant described as an illustrative embodiment.
Osteotomy/void near an ankle/knee described as an illustrative embodiment for an osteotomy implant.
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