Acromion Replacement With Contoured Scapular Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reconstruction of acromial and scapula fatigue/insufficiency fractures after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is challenging due to highly variable anatomy, leading to unpredictable healing rates and impaired joint stability and function, with existing solutions like ORIF surgery and immobilization being inadequate.
Innovation Solution
Development of acromion and scapular replacement devices with anatomically contoured plates and fixation mechanisms, including screw holes and soft tissue attachment points, designed to replicate the native acromion's function and provide stable fixation to the scapula, available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different fracture types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight/noncontoured plates with locking screws are used for ORIF surgery, then fixation can be achieved, but the fit is poor due to highly variable scapular anatomy requiring bending of plates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into multiple contoured sections that match different anatomical regions of the scapula, allowing each segment to conform to specific anatomical landmarks while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The plate features pre-formed curvatures and contours that match the natural anatomy of the scapula, eliminating the need for intraoperative bending and ensuring precise anatomical fit
2Reliability
If immobilization in a sling is used to allow fracture healing, then joint stability is maintained, but the healing rate is unpredictable and function is lost during the healing period
Solution Approach 1:
The acromion implant features a curved superior surface that replicates the native acromion anatomy, providing optimal deltoid muscle attachment geometry and biomechanical function
Solution Approach 2:
The implant changes the mechanical parameters of the acromion by providing a rigid, anatomically correct structure that restores deltoid leverage and shoulder biomechanics immediately upon implantation
3Ease of operation
If the acromion is not properly replaced, then the fracture can be left untreated, but joint stability is impaired and deltoid function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The implant combines multiple functions into a single device: structural replacement of the acromion, restoration of deltoid attachment, and immediate stabilization of the shoulder joint
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is designed to precisely replicate the anatomy and function of the native acromion, including its superior surface curvature and attachment points for deltoid muscle
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an acromion portion sized and shaped to replicate functions of the native acromion, and a fixation portion connected to the acromion portion, the fixation portion including a first arm portion and a second arm portion spaced apart from the first arm portion, wherein the first arm and second arm portions are positioned such that, when the device is positioned such that the acromion portion is in a native position of the absent native acromion, the first arm portion overlays a superior face of a scapular spine of the scapula and the second arm portion overlays an inferior space of the scapular spine of the scapula, wherein each of the first arm portion and the second arm portion includes at least one screw fixation point extending therethrough and configured to receive a screw therein so as to secure the device to the scapula.