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Publication Number
US-9757235-B2
Publication Date
2017-09-12
Expiration Date
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 spinal programmable implant having a web structure with a plurality of struts joined at nodes to form a space truss. The space truss comprises a plurality of planar truss units, and the web structure is configured to interface with bone tissue. The planar truss units are coupled such that 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 with the one or more planar truss units.
The implant includes predetermined strut geometry and/or web density so that, when the web structure is in contact with bone, at least a portion of the struts create a microstrain in adhered osteoblasts, bone matrix, or lamellar tissue. The microstrain is produced by predetermined diameter and/or length of the struts and/or density of the web structure. This microstrain in adhered osteoblasts, bone matrix, or lamellar tissue is configured to enhance osteogenic response, including BMP production and osteogenic response.
In some embodiments, variable and programmable strut properties across regions are used to influence stress distribution. These programmable strut properties include deformation strength, density, porosity, differential diameter/material, and strut geometry/density, with the goal of reducing stress risers and providing bone ingrowth through open volume. Example embodiments described include planar triangular truss units and coupled arrangements that form tetrahedron/hexahedron patterns and lordosis configurations suitable for implantation in between vertebrae.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims, one directed to a spinal implant and one directed to a method of repairing a bone structure in a subject’s spine. The independent claims share a common inventive core: a space-truss web of planar truss units arranged so adjacent planar units are not substantially parallel, and predetermined strut geometry/density configured to induce microstrain in adhered osteoblasts and related tissues.
Planar space-truss spinal web with non-substantially parallel planar truss unit planes
A spinal implant comprising a web structure with a plurality of struts joined at nodes to form a space truss comprising planar truss units, configured to interface with bone tissue, where the planar truss units are coupled such that 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.
Predetermined strut geometry/density to create microstrain in adhered osteoblasts
A predetermined diameter and/or length of the struts and/or density of the web structure, 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.
Spinal implant shape and size for placement between vertebrae
An implant shape and size that allows the implant to be implanted in between vertebrae of the subject’s spine.
Repair method using microstrain-inducing implant placed between vertebrae
A method of repairing a bone structure in a subject’s spine by obtaining an implant with a space-truss web of planar truss units arranged so that one or more planar truss units lie in a plane that is not substantially parallel to a planar truss unit plane that shares at least one strut, where predetermined diameter and/or length of the struts and/or density are configured such that contacting bone causes at least a portion of the struts to create microstrain in adhered osteoblasts, bone matrix, or lamellar tissue, and placing the implant in between vertebrae.
Overall claim coverage centers on a spinal space-truss web built from planar truss units arranged so neighboring planes are not substantially parallel, together with predetermined strut diameter/length and/or web density configured to induce microstrain in adhered osteoblasts, bone matrix, or lamellar tissue, followed by placement between vertebrae for repair.
Stated Advantages
Enhancing osteogenic response, including BMP production.
Programmable strut properties are used to optimize stress distribution and reduce stress risers.
Bone ingrowth is enabled through open volume.
Documented Applications
A method of repairing a bone structure in a subject’s spine by placing the implant between vertebrae.
A spinal implant interfacing with the bone structure of a subject’s spine, suitable for implantation between vertebrae.
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