Evolved Orthopedic Locking Screw Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857227_0010_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Evolved Orthopedic Locking Screw Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857227_0010_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857227_0010_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,227.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

Next-generation orthopedic locking screw systems that revolutionize implant fixation by integrating advanced materials, adaptive technologies, and robotic assistance to enhance patient outcomes and simplify surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Orthopedic locking screw for an orthopedic fastening system,' addressed the need for secure implant fixation in orthopedic procedures. However, the limitations of traditional locking screws, such as the need for subsequent removal and potential tissue damage, remain. The new inventive concept tackles these challenges by introducing bio-absorbable, self-adjusting, modular, robotic-assisted, and nanotechnology-enhanced locking screw systems.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The evolved orthopedic locking screw systems comprise five distinct embodiments. Firstly, the bio-absorbable locking screw degrades over time, allowing for bone growth and eliminating the need for subsequent removal. Secondly, the self-adjusting locking screw dynamically adapts to changes in bone density and geometry, ensuring optimal fixation. Thirdly, the modular orthopedic implant features interchangeable locking screw modules with varying thread patterns and materials, allowing for customized fixation and adaptability to diverse patient needs. Fourthly, the robotic-assisted orthopedic implant fixation system employs a computer-controlled locking screw driver that optimizes screw placement and minimizes tissue damage. Lastly, the nanotechnology-enhanced orthopedic locking screw features a surface-coated screw with nanoparticles that promote bone growth and accelerate healing.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in orthopedic locking screw technology by incorporating advanced materials, adaptive technologies, and robotic assistance. The bio-absorbable, self-adjusting, modular, robotic-assisted, and nanotechnology-enhanced locking screw systems are novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent, as they address the limitations of traditional locking screws and provide enhanced patient outcomes and simplified surgical procedures.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the evolved orthopedic locking screw systems could include the use of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, or bioluminescent coatings to further enhance their performance and versatility. Variations of the modular implant could incorporate different materials, geometries, or surface textures to accommodate diverse patient needs and anatomical variations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The evolved orthopedic locking screw systems have significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, with applications in joint reconstruction, spinal fusion, and trauma surgery. The target market includes orthopedic surgeons, hospitals, and medical device manufacturers seeking to improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and simplify surgical procedures.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/725
A A61 A61B17/8042
A A61 A61B17/863
A A61 A61B17/866
A A61 A61B17/8635
A A61 A61B17/8685
A A61 A61B17/686
A A61 A61B17/8057
A A61 A61B2017/8655

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical technologies, specifically orthopedic fastening systems and implant fixation techniques, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, materials science, and surgical procedural design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, expertise in medical device design, understanding of biomaterials, surgical implant mechanics, and current orthopedic technological trends

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the PTD's variations as logical extensions of the source patent's fundamental orthopedic locking screw design, leveraging known materials science and surgical technology principles to address inherent limitations in existing orthopedic fastening systems. The disclosed variations represent predictable technological improvements using standard engineering problem-solving approaches within the orthopedic device domain. Each proposed modification addresses specific functional challenges in orthopedic implant technology through well-understood engineering strategies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Orthopedic implant with bore for securing a locking screw
PTD Variation
Bio-absorbable locking screw that degrades over time
Obviousness Reasoning
Known biomaterial techniques for creating degradable medical implants, predictable result of facilitating bone healing and eliminating secondary removal surgery
Source Patent Element
Threaded or unthreaded bolt for orthopedic fastening
PTD Variation
Self-adjusting locking screw dynamically adapting to bone density
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of adaptive materials technology to improve implant performance, representing a standard design optimization approach
Source Patent Element
Internal surface feature for engaging and retaining screw
PTD Variation
Modular orthopedic implant with interchangeable locking screw modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing design flexibility, representing a finite set of design variations to accommodate patient-specific anatomical requirements
Source Patent Element
Orthopedic fastening system with mechanical engagement mechanisms
PTD Variation
Robotic-assisted implant fixation system with computer-controlled screw driver
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technological convergence of surgical robotics with existing medical device technologies, representing a predictable technological progression
Source Patent Element
Deformable thread formed from plastically deformable material
PTD Variation
Nanotechnology-enhanced screw with bone growth-promoting surface coating
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard materials science approach of surface modification to enhance implant performance, representing a known technique for improving medical device functionality
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857227 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed orthopedic locking screw system modifications obvious and predictable extensions of existing orthopedic fastening technologies. The proposed variations represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to address known limitations in orthopedic implant design.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,227
TitleOrthopedic locking screw for an orthopedic fastening system
Assignee(s)Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC