DYNAMIC FORCE GENERATION FOR BONE REPAIR

摘要

An orthopedic device delivers dynamic forces to a desired remote bone region. Dynamically arranged mechanical forces are known to stimulate bone cells (the process of mechanotransduction). The device includes an implantable element configured to couple with a generally accessible and healthy bone area, from which location it's configured to transmit forces to a remote bone area in need of repair, regrowth, or regeneration. Further, the device positions and orients the implantable element where it can be readily acted on by the device's force generator. The force generator is configured to impart dynamic forces that are transmitted through the implantable element and into a desired bone mass including a remote bone area in need of repair. This device promotes fracture healing, treats osteoporotic or other poor quality bone, and promotes vertebral fusion in conjunction with a spinal fusion procedure.

主权项

1) An orthopedic device for delivering dynamic forces to a desired bone mass including a bone region in need of repair, the orthopedic device comprising:
a plurality of implantable elements configured to be rigidly coupled to the desired bone mass, wherein a first implantable element of the plurality of implantable elements is configured to be coupled to a first side of the bone region in need of repair and a second implantable element of the plurality of implantable elements is configured to be coupled to a second opposite side of the bone region in need of repair, wherein the first implantable element comprises at least in part a magnetic material; a transfer element configured for operatively engaging with both the first implantable element and the second implantable element for transferring the dynamic forces from the first implantable element to the second implantable element; and a non-implantable external force generator configured for operative placement adjacent the first implantable element for interacting with the magnetic material of the first implantable element to generate dynamic forces that are transferred from the first implantable element to the second implantable element through the transfer element.