Adjustable Balloon Implant for Shoulder Impingement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for shoulder impingement, including conservative and surgical methods, are inadequate for maintaining or widening the subacromial space in heavily articulated joints, leading to low success rates in preventing or treating impingement.
Innovation Solution
A balloon implant device configured for placement between the acromion and humerus, which is adjustable by adding or removing fluid, includes fixation features like acromion anchors and suture anchors to maintain the subacromial space and allow for post-surgical volume adjustments without additional surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conservative treatments (rest, physiotherapy, injections) are used to treat shoulder impingement, then pain relief and function improvement are attempted, but the success rate is low and treatments are limited (max 3 corticosteroid injections)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a subacromial spacer as an intermediary device between the acromion and humeral head. This spacer physically maintains the subacromial space open, preventing impingement of soft tissues. The spacer acts as a mechanical mediator that directly addresses the anatomical problem rather than relying on conservative treatments with limited success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an artificial copy of the subacromial space using a spacer device that mimics the natural space geometry. This copied space structure maintains the necessary clearance between bony structures, providing a reliable mechanical solution that overcomes the limitations of conservative treatments.
2Reliability
If surgical interventions (resection of distal clavicle, excision of osteophytes) are performed to widen the subacromial space, then impingement structures are removed, but existing devices are inadequate for heavily articulatable joints like the shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spacer device that can be compressed during shoulder movement and then rebounds to maintain space. This dynamic behavior allows the spacer to accommodate the heavy articulation of the shoulder joint while continuously maintaining the subacromial clearance. The material's elastic properties enable it to withstand repetitive compression from joint motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific elastic modulus and compressibility parameters that allow the spacer to deform under joint load and recover to maintain space. By selecting materials with appropriate mechanical parameters, the device adapts to the dynamic loading conditions of the shoulder joint while reliably maintaining the subacromial space.
3Reliability
If fixed-size spacers or implants are used to maintain subacromial space, then space is maintained, but no post-surgical adjustment is possible requiring additional surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spacer device that can be compressed during shoulder movement and then rebounds to maintain space. This dynamic behavior allows the spacer to accommodate the heavy articulation of the shoulder joint while continuously maintaining the subacromial clearance. The material's elastic properties enable it to withstand repetitive compression from joint motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific elastic modulus and compressibility parameters that allow the spacer to deform under joint load and recover to maintain space. By selecting materials with appropriate mechanical parameters, the device adapts to the dynamic loading conditions of the shoulder joint while reliably maintaining the subacromial space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The balloon implant effectively maintains or widens the subacromial space, preventing impingement and allowing for normal humeral movement, with the ability to adjust fluid volume post-surgery, thereby improving treatment outcomes for shoulder impingement.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon implant may be adjustable by adding or removing fluid from the balloon after implantation
Data Source
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AI summary
A shoulder implant device includes one or more fixation features including an acromial intrusion element and an inflatable humeral balloon portion that receives a fluid through the acromial intrusion element. The intrusion element comprises a valve that can receive multiple needle sticks to add or remove fluid to or from the inflatable humeral balloon. The device is implanted in a subacromial space such that the one or more fixation features at least secure the device to the acromion and the inflatable balloon portion rests against the proximal end of the corresponding humerus. Fluid in the balloon portion maintains separation of the acromion and the humerus to reduce or prevent impingement.