Patent ID: 8751198
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an implant for a bone, comprising the steps of: generating a first general shape for the implant having a length extending along a long axis of the bone; determining an area moment of inertia of a cross section of the implant, wherein the area moment of inertia of the cross section of the implant is calculated using a computer-aided design module; determining an area moment of inertia of a cross section of bone coplanar to the cross section of the implant, wherein the area moment of inertia of the cross section of bone coplanar to the cross section of the implant is calculated using the computer-aided design module; calculating a percent stress shielding from the area moments of inertia of the implant and the bone; comparing the calculated percent stress shielding to a preset threshold; and iteratively generating additional general shapes for the implant by locally adjusting the cross section of the implant until the calculated percent stress shielding meets the preset threshold, wherein the locally adjusting of the cross section of the implant comprises adjusting local stiffness of the implant based on combined stiffness of an implant and bone composite at the cross section of the implant to minimize stress shielding of the bone such that bone loss from the stress shielding may be lessened.