Programmable implant having curved or arced struts

Inventors

Hunt, Jessee • Ganey, Timothy

Assignees

4Web LLC

Abstract

Various embodiments of implant systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described herein. 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 are optimized for the expected stress applied at the bone structure site.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to a programmable spinal implant that interfaces with bone tissue using a web structure comprising a plurality of struts joined at nodes to form a space truss. The space truss comprises a plurality of planar truss units, where one or more planar truss units lie in a plane that is not substantially parallel to a plane of a planar truss unit that shares at least one strut. One or more planar truss units comprises one or more curved or arced struts joined at nodes.

The implant further includes predetermined strut geometry and distribution features, including a diameter and/or length of the struts and/or density of the web structure, that are configured such that, when the web structure is in contact with the bone, at least a portion of the struts create a microstrain in adhered osteoblasts, bone matrix, or lamellar tissue. The design includes engineering of strut geometry and distribution to achieve a specific microstrain and an osteogenic response associated with adhered osteoblasts and bone matrix or lamellar tissue.

The disclosed configuration aims to address problems associated with conventional large-rim or open-channel spacers by improving fusion-related behavior. By localizing load and reducing stress risers compared to conventional spacers, the space-truss web is intended to avoid impaired fusion, and instead support an enhanced BMP-mediated osteogenic response.

Claims Coverage

The document provides two independent claims: one for a spinal implant and one for a method of repairing a bone structure in a subject’s spine. The claims center on four inventive features, with placement between vertebrae also expressly recited in the method context.

Across the independent claims, the core coverage is a spinal implant or spinal repair method using a space-truss web formed from planar truss units in non-substantially-parallel planes, optionally including curved or arced struts, with predetermined strut geometry and density configured to create microstrain in adhered osteoblasts, bone matrix, or lamellar tissue, and placement between vertebrae.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications