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Publication Number
US-9636226-B2
Publication Date
2017-05-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
A hand and/or wrist implant, including a web structure having a space truss with two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes. The web structure is configured for the repair of traumatic bone fractures.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to an implant for interfacing with bone tissue, comprising a web structure that includes a space truss made from two or more planar truss units. The planar truss units include a plurality of struts joined at nodes, and the planar truss units form one or more polyhedron truss units. At least one polyhedron truss unit passes into a central portion of the implant, and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.
The implant further includes one or more cylindrical channels extending through the space truss. The cylindrical channels have channel exits in at least two sides of the web structure, and the geometry of the space truss can include micro-truss lattice geometries and polyhedron truss units such as triangular planar truss units, tetrahedrons, and other polyhedron-shaped frames.
In an implant system context, the web structure similarly includes the space truss formed from two or more planar truss units and one or more polyhedron truss units extending into a central portion. One or more cylindrical channels extend through the space truss, with a channel entrance on at least one side and a channel exit on at least one different side. One or more fasteners are positionable within the channels to couple the web structure to bone during use.
The background and summary indicate the problem addressed is traumatic bone fracture repair, including load-bearing and healing requirements where implant geometry affects stress distribution, stress risers, and the ability to promote bone graft fusion and bone ingrowth. The described web structure and space truss channel arrangement are presented as supporting improved load distribution and reduced stress risers while increasing surface area for fusion and ingrowth, and optionally enabling biologic or coating delivery into the implant, including delivery to a central strut.
Claims Coverage
The partial claims content provided includes two independent claims: an implant and an implant system. Across these, there are at least three core inventive structural themes: a space-truss web structure formed by planar truss units and polyhedron truss units, cylindrical channels extending through the space truss with exits or entrance/exit on multiple sides, and fasteners positioned within the channels to couple the web structure to bone during use.
Space truss web structure from planar truss units forming polyhedron truss units with central portion extension
The web structure comprises a space truss comprising two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes, wherein the space truss comprises planar truss units forming one or more polyhedron truss units, and wherein at least one polyhedron truss unit passes into a central portion of the implant, and wherein the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.
Cylindrical channels extending through the space truss with channel exits in at least two sides
One or more cylindrical channels extend through the space truss, the one or more cylindrical channels having channel exits in at least two sides of the web structure.
Cylindrical channels with entrance on one side and exit on a different side
One or more cylindrical channels extending through the space truss, the one or more cylindrical channels having a channel entrance on at least one side of the web structure and a channel exit on at least one different side of the web structure.
Fasteners positionable within channels to couple the web structure to bone during use
One or more fasteners are positionable within the channels, wherein the fasteners couple the web structure to a bone during use.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a space-truss web structure formed by planar truss units that form polyhedron truss units extending into a central portion, combined with cylindrical channels that extend through the space truss and provide multi-side entrance or exit. The implant system additionally requires fasteners positionable within the channels to couple the web structure to bone during use.
Stated Advantages
Improved load distribution.
Reduced stress risers.
Increased surface area for bone graft fusion and bone ingrowth.
Optional biologic or coating delivery, including delivery to a central strut.
Documented Applications
Traumatic bone fracture repair implants, including hand and/or wrist implant applications and other orthopedic applications described for the implant.
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