At HIPCRAFT, our mission is to revolutionize hip implant technology by enhancing patient comfort, safety, and mobility. Our innovative approach to hip implant design involves a meticulous engineering design process, aimed at addressing the specific needs and concerns of our patients. In this section, we'll walk you through each step of our design journey in a way that you can easily understand.

Problem

To begin our design process, we first identify the medical conditions we aim to treat. Hip implants are primarily used to restore mobility and alleviate pain associated with joint diseases or injuries. The most common condition we address is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes severe pain and reduced mobility in the hip joint.

Our target patients are individuals who have advanced osteoarthritis, experience hip pain that significantly affects their daily life, and may have allergies to metals commonly used in hip implants.

Research

We delve into existing hip implant designs and materials to understand the current landscape. Traditional hip implants consist of a stem, a ball, and a shell, designed to mimic the movement of a healthy hip joint. Materials such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, and titanium alloys are commonly used.

We also consider how factors like age, gender, bone density, and activity level can influence implant design. The shape of the implant is crucial to its performance and longevity.

Brainstorm

As a team, we brainstorm ideas to solve the challenges posed by traditional hip implants. Three promising ideas emerged:

Replacing the Alloy: We explore replacing the conventional metal alloy with hypoallergenic materials like titanium, zirconium, and rhodium to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Biosafe Coating Design for Universal Application: We consider designing a biosafe coating that can be applied to various hip implant materials to prevent allergic reactions. Coatings such as titanium nitride, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Hydroxyapatite show potential.

Refactor the Alloy Inside the Stem: This innovative approach involves redesigning the alloy placement within the implant's stem to minimize contact with the patient's body.

Solve

We choose a prototype featuring a biosafe coating design with hydroxyapatite, titanium nitride, and PTFE coatings for universal application. This choice offers a holistic approach to address hypoallergenic concerns while enhancing osseointegration, ensuring safety and tailored solutions for patients.

Test

Risk Assessment: We assess the risk level of our design, considering the materials used and potential hazards. This is vital for regulatory compliance and patient safety.

Pre-Implant Testing: Before implantation, rigorous testing includes mechanical tests, biocompatibility assessments, and wear testing to ensure device quality and safety.

Post-Implant Monitoring: After implantation, we closely monitor patient outcomes and document any issues related to the implant.

Long-Term Durability Studies: We evaluate the device's performance over an extended period, assessing coating stability and wear resistance.

Patient-Reported Outcomes: We gather patient feedback on pain relief, mobility improvement, and overall satisfaction to continuously improve our design.

Our design process is a careful, patient-centered journey that combines innovation, engineering expertise, and a commitment to improving the lives of those in need of hip implants. We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our HIPCRAFT implants through rigorous testing and continuous improvement.