MOTION PRESERVATION IMPLANT AND METHODS
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 include one or more flexible struts that impart flexibility to the implant.
1 - 82 . (canceled)
83 . An implant for interfacing with a bone structure, comprising:
a web structure comprising a plurality of struts joined at nodes, wherein the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue;
wherein one or more of the struts are coated with a piezoelectric material.
84 . The implant of claim 83 , wherein the one or more struts coated with a piezoelectric material are placed in positions that undergo mechanical stress during use.
85 . The implant of claim 83 , wherein the web structure comprises a space truss comprising two or more planar truss units.
86 . The implant of claim 85 , wherein one or more of the planar truss units is a planar triangular truss unit having three substantially straight struts and three nodes in a triangular configuration.
87 . The implant of claim 85 , wherein two or more of the planar truss units are coupled to one another 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.
88 . The implant of claim 83 , further comprising an external frame defining an exterior surface of the implant wherein the web structure is at least partially enclosed by the external frame.
89 . The implant of claim 83 , wherein at least a portion of the web structure extends into a central portion of the implant.
90 . The implant of claim 83 , wherein the piezoelectric material comprises a titanate material.
91 . The implant of claim 83 , wherein the piezoelectric material comprises a niobite material.
92 . A method of repairing a bone structure, comprising:
obtaining an implant, the implant comprising:
a web structure comprising a plurality of struts joined at nodes, wherein the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue;
wherein one or more of the struts are coated with a piezoelectric material.
coupling the implant to the bone structure.
93 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the one or more struts coated with a piezoelectric material are placed in positions that undergo mechanical stress during use.
94 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the web structure comprises a space truss comprising two or more planar truss units.
95 . The method of claim 94 , wherein one or more of the planar truss units is a planar triangular truss unit having three substantially straight struts and three nodes in a triangular configuration.
96 . The method of claim 94 , wherein two or more of the planar truss units are coupled to one another 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.
97 . The method of claim 92 , further comprising an external frame defining an exterior surface of the implant wherein the web structure is at least partially enclosed by the external frame.
98 . The method of claim 92 , wherein at least a portion of the web structure extends into a central portion of the implant.
99 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the piezoelectric material comprises a titanate material.
100 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the piezoelectric material comprises a niobite material.