Patient-specific non-penetrating joint implant for secure fixation in complex and thin bone geometries
This technology is patient-specific, non-invasive joint implant that can be secured onto complex joint shapes and delicate hard tissue in the body (e.g. shoulder, knee) without the use of screws or other fasteners to penetrate the bone.
Unmet Need: Non-penetrating patient-specific implant for thin and anatomically complex bones
Current joint replacement procedures rely on penetrating fixation methods such as screws, stems, or cement to secure implants within bone. These approaches require permanent bone modification and are particularly challenging in joints with thin or anatomically complex geometries, such as the shoulder, knee and elbow, where limited bone stock and irregular surfaces reduce fixation strength and contribute to loosening or failure. In addition, penetrating fixation can reduce available bone stock over time, complicating revision surgeries and limiting future treatment options. There is a need for minimally invasive, patient-specific fixation strategies that provide durable mechanical stability while adapting to complex joint anatomies and preserving bone integrity.
The Technology: Patient-specific non-penetrating implant for joint fixation for thin and irregular bones
This technology is a patient-specific orthopedic implant designed to achieve joint fixation without the use of penetrating screws, stems, or cement. The implant conforms to the patient’s anatomical geometry, enabling secure engagement with both concave and convex bone surfaces. It is installed by positioning over the bone using controlled translational and rotational motion, allowing fixation through mechanical interlocking with the external bone surface without the need for additional hardware components. By distributing mechanical loads across a larger contact area, the design improves stability and reduces stress concentrations associated with conventional fixation methods. The approach is applicable across multiple joints with complex geometries and is particularly advantageous in anatomically challenging regions (e.g., shoulder, elbow and knee), where it may preserve underlying bone structure and support improved long-term outcomes.
Applications:
- Joint implant replacements
- Prosthetic limb
- Assistive devices for disabilities
- Bone reconstruction
- Research platform for implant materials
- Skull-mounted implant
Advantages:
- Minimizes invasive bone modification and eliminates penetrating screws, stems, and cement
- Matches patient-specific bone anatomy
- Support fixation in thin and irregular bones
- Minimally invasive
- Simplified installation
- Translational and rotational installation
- Reversible for future procedures
- Enables fixation on concave and convex bone surfaces
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending(WO/2024/026489)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
- IR CU25239
IR CU23044
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman