A 3D printed humeral prosthesis preserving the shoulder joint

The carbon fiber polyether ether ketone humeral prosthesis manufactured using 3D printing technology solves the problem that existing reconstruction devices after humeral tumor resection are difficult to preserve the shoulder joint. It achieves stable connection and biocompatibility between the prosthesis and bone tissue, improving the success rate of surgery and the patient's recovery.

CN122297193APending Publication Date: 2026-06-30HUAXI PRECISION MEDICINE IND INNOVATION CENT CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HUAXI PRECISION MEDICINE IND INNOVATION CENT CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-27
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, reconstruction devices after humeral tumor resection are difficult to preserve the shoulder joint, metal prostheses have mechanical complications and biocompatibility issues, and allogeneic grafts have limited sources and are difficult to heal.

Method used

The humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint is manufactured using 3D printing technology. It is made of carbon fiber polyetheretherketone and designed with a ball-shaped proximal end connected to a nail-like protrusion. It incorporates Kirschner wire holes and suture holes, and has an anti-rotation module at the distal end to adapt to individual anatomical structures.

Benefits of technology

It achieves a stable connection between the prosthesis and bone tissue, reduces damage to surrounding tissues, improves initial and long-term stability, enhances biocompatibility, promotes osseointegration, reduces postoperative complications, and improves surgical success rate.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and discloses a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint. The prosthesis includes a prosthesis body, with a proximal end for connecting to the humeral head of the patient's own shoulder joint. The proximal end of the prosthesis body is ball-shaped, and a connection area is provided at the top of the proximal end, with multiple nail-like protrusions. The proximal end of the prosthesis body also has through-holes perpendicular to the connection area. The ball-shaped proximal end of the prosthesis body of this invention, with its connection area, connects to the humeral head of the patient's own shoulder joint, preserving the patient's own shoulder joint, maintaining the patient's natural range of motion and function, reducing damage to surrounding tissues, facilitating more natural movement and recovery of daily activities, and improving postoperative function. The ball-shaped connection has a large contact area, and the nail-like protrusion structure in the connection area of ​​the proximal end of the prosthesis body further increases the contact area, making the connection more stable; this contributes to the initial and long-term stability of the prosthesis implantation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint. Background Technology

[0002] Humeral tumor resection often requires sacrificing the patient's own shoulder joint. Current reconstruction methods include allogeneic bone grafting, autologous fibular grafting, autologous iliac bone grafting, and metallic prostheses. Allogeneic grafts are extremely limited in availability and difficult to find; due to ischemic nature, allogeneic grafts alone often result in healing difficulties, rejection, and bone resorption. Current metallic prosthesis reconstructions struggle to preserve the patient's own shoulder joint in cases of large humeral defects, leading to poor postoperative function and mechanical complications such as infection, wound non-healing, prosthesis displacement, and fixation difficulties.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN 214805725 U (authorization announcement date: November 23, 2021) discloses a device for reconstructing proximal humeral bone defects, including an articular surface support prosthesis and a diaphysis repair prosthesis. The articular surface support prosthesis is inserted into the medullary cavity of the humeral head. The first end of the articular surface support prosthesis and the diaphysis repair prosthesis are detachably connected. The articular surface support prosthesis is a cylindrical object of a certain length, which is fully inserted into the medullary cavity of the humeral head to fill the metaphysis of the humerus. The articular surface support prosthesis and the diaphysis repair prosthesis are manufactured using metal 3D printing. The reconstruction device of the above patent can preserve the articular surface, and the articular surface support prosthesis provides support for the articular surface. On the one hand, the articular surface support prosthesis in the aforementioned patent has a cylindrical structure, requiring sufficient space inside the humeral head to accommodate it, making the intraoperative handling of the humeral head difficult; on the other hand, the elastic modulus of the metal prosthesis is much higher than that of bone tissue, making it prone to damaging the surrounding normal bone structure and causing secondary injury when subjected to external impact; in addition, during use, the metal prosthesis may release toxic metal elements such as cobalt and chromium, which may cause some irreversible damage when they enter human organs through blood circulation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint, exhibiting a stable connection, good initial and long-term stability, and a density and elastic modulus closer to human bone, which is beneficial for osseointegration between the prosthesis and bone tissue.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint includes a prosthesis body, the proximal end of which is used to connect to the humeral head of the shoulder joint. The proximal end of the prosthesis body is ball-shaped, and a connection area is provided at the top of the proximal end of the prosthesis body. The connection area has multiple nail-like protrusions. The proximal end of the prosthesis body also has a through nail hole, which is perpendicular to the connection area. The prosthesis body is made of carbon fiber polyetheretherketone material by 3D printing.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution, the prosthesis body has multiple through Kirschner wire holes at its proximal end, and the outlets of the multiple Kirschner wire holes are arranged in a ring around the connecting area.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the axes of the multiple Kirschner wire holes do not intersect.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the prosthesis body has at least one row of suture holes in the middle, and the suture holes are arranged along the axial direction of the prosthesis body.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the suture holes are provided in two rows, located on the inner and outer sides of the prosthesis body, respectively.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the distal end of the prosthesis body is provided with an assembly structure, which includes an anti-rotation module.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the anti-rotation module includes two tenons spaced apart at the edge of the distal end face of the prosthesis body, with an anti-rotation groove formed between the two tenons.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0014] The present invention relates to a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint. The proximal end of the prosthesis body is spherical and has a connection area that connects to the humeral head of the patient's own shoulder joint. This preserves the patient's own shoulder joint, maintains the patient's natural range of motion and function, reduces damage to surrounding tissues, facilitates a more natural recovery of movement and daily activities, and improves postoperative function. The spherical connection has a large contact area, resulting in a more stable connection and contributing to initial and long-term stability. The nail-like protrusion structure in the proximal connection area of ​​the prosthesis body further increases the contact area.

[0015] The present invention provides a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint. Multiple Kirschner wire holes are provided at the proximal end of the prosthesis body. The prosthesis is connected to the humeral head of the shoulder joint through Kirschner wires, which further enhances the initial stability of the prosthesis implantation.

[0016] The present invention provides a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint, with suture holes for tendon and ligament suture reconstruction. The assembly structure at the distal end of the prosthesis body includes an anti-rotation module to prevent the prosthesis body from rotating, which can further improve the stability of the prosthesis body.

[0017] This invention relates to a 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint. Using 3D printing technology, the prosthesis can be personalized based on the patient's individual anatomical data, ensuring a high degree of match between the prosthesis and the patient's bone structure, thereby improving the prosthesis's stability and functionality. The combination of carbon fiber and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials provides excellent mechanical properties, capable of withstanding complex shoulder joint movements and significant mechanical loads, extending the prosthesis's lifespan. PEEK material has good biocompatibility, reducing inflammation and rejection reactions, thus reducing postoperative complications, improving surgical success rates, and promoting patient recovery and long-term use. Furthermore, carbon fiber and PEEK materials have a density and elastic modulus closer to human bone, which is beneficial for osseointegration between the prosthesis and bone tissue. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The left view;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a connection diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure labels: 1-Prosthesis body, 2-Humoral head of the shoulder joint, 3-Pin-shaped protrusion, 4-Pin hole, 5-Kirschner wire hole, 6-Suture hole, 7-Tenon. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] A 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, it includes a prosthesis body 1, the proximal end of which is used to connect to the humeral head 2 of the shoulder joint. The proximal end of the prosthesis body 1 is ball-shaped, and a connection area is provided at the top of the proximal end of the proximal end of the prosthesis body 1. The connection area has multiple nail-shaped protrusions 3. The proximal end of the prosthesis body 1 also has a through nail hole 4, which is set perpendicular to the connection area. Screws pass through the nail hole 4 to tightly connect the prosthesis body to the humeral head 2 of the shoulder joint.

[0025] Furthermore, the prosthetic body 1 has multiple through Kirschner wire holes 5 at its proximal end. The outlets of the multiple Kirschner wire holes 5 are arranged in a ring around the connecting area, and the axes of the multiple Kirschner wire holes 5 do not intersect. Kirschner wires pass through the Kirschner wire holes 5 to connect the prosthetic body 1 to the humeral head 2 of the shoulder joint, which can effectively increase the initial stability of the prosthesis. The prosthetic body 1 has at least one row of suture holes 6 in its middle part. The suture holes 6 are arranged along the axis of the prosthetic body 1 and are used for suture reconstruction of tendons and ligaments. Preferably, there are two rows of suture holes 6, located on the inner and outer sides of the prosthetic body 1, respectively.

[0026] Furthermore, the distal end of the prosthesis body 1 is provided with an assembly structure for connecting to the humerus, the assembly structure including an anti-rotation module. Preferably, the anti-rotation module includes two tenons 7 spaced apart at the edge of the distal end face of the prosthesis body 1, with an anti-rotation groove formed between the two tenons 7.

[0027] Furthermore, the prosthesis body is made of carbon fiber polyetheretherketone material by 3D printing.

[0028] 3D printing allows for the creation of perfectly matched prostheses tailored to individual patient needs and anatomical structures. This personalization enhances the fit and comfort of the prosthesis. Carbon fiber and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials possess excellent mechanical properties; their combination provides high-strength, lightweight prostheses, reducing patient burden while offering sufficient structural strength and durability for bone defect reconstruction in non-weight-bearing areas. Furthermore, PEEK exhibits good biocompatibility, minimizing the risk of rejection and contributing to improved implantation success rates and faster patient recovery, overcoming the limitations of metal prostheses in clinical application.

[0029] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint, comprising a prosthesis body, characterized in that: The proximal end of the prosthesis body is used to connect to the humeral head of the shoulder joint. The proximal end of the prosthesis body is ball-shaped, and a connection area is provided at the top of the proximal end of the prosthesis body. The connection area has multiple nail-like protrusions. The proximal end of the prosthesis body also has a through nail hole, which is set perpendicular to the connection area. The prosthesis body is made of carbon fiber polyetheretherketone material by 3D printing.

2. The 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prosthesis body has multiple through Kirschner wire holes at its proximal end, and the outlets of the multiple Kirschner wire holes are arranged in a ring around the connecting area.

3. The 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The axes of the multiple Kirschner wire holes do not intersect.

4. The 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prosthesis body has at least one row of suture holes in its middle part, and the suture holes are arranged along the axis of the prosthesis body.

5. The 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint according to claim 4, characterized in that: The suture holes are arranged in two rows, located on the inner and outer sides of the prosthesis body, respectively.

6. The 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distal end of the prosthesis body is provided with an assembly structure, which includes an anti-rotation module.

7. The 3D-printed humeral prosthesis that preserves the shoulder joint according to claim 6, characterized in that: The anti-rotation module includes two tenons spaced apart at the edge of the distal end face of the prosthesis body, with an anti-rotation groove formed between the two tenons.