Ankle Prosthesis Configurable Coupling for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle prostheses with three implants often cause instability and prolonged rehabilitation due to excessive mobility restoration, which can lead to falls and tissue damage, and are prohibited by certain regulatory requirements, necessitating a solution that balances mobility and stability.
Innovation Solution
An ankle prosthesis with a talar, tibial, and intermediate implant, featuring configurable coupling means that allow the intermediate implant to be arranged in specific configurations to minimize stress and adapt to individual anatomy, ensuring stability and mobility through adjustable fastening and positioning mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the intermediate implant is allowed to move freely relative to the tibial implant to restore ankle mobility, then joint movement is improved, but joint stability deteriorates leading to falls and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means transition from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position, allowing the intermediate implant to be positioned at different locations along the tibial implant according to the patient's specific needs, thereby optimizing both mobility and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the intermediate implant relative to the tibial implant can be changed to different configurations, allowing adjustment of the degree of freedom and movement constraints to achieve the desired balance between mobility restoration and joint stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate implant is fixed rigidly to the tibial implant to ensure stability, then joint stability is improved, but ankle mobility deteriorates requiring prolonged rehabilitation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means allow the intermediate implant to be positioned at different locations along the tibial implant, creating a dynamic system that can be configured to provide either greater stability or greater mobility depending on the patient's rehabilitation stage and anatomical characteristics
3Ease of manufacture
If the ankle prosthesis is designed with a fixed configuration to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle prosthesis is divided into separate components (tibial implant, intermediate implant, coupling means) that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, then assembled in different configurations to match individual patient anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means serve multiple functions: they connect the intermediate implant to the tibial implant, allows positional adjustment, and provides configurable constraints on movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components for different patient types
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ankle prosthesis (1) comprising a talar implant (2) designed to be implanted in or on the talus (3), a tibial implant (4) designed to be implanted in or on the tibia (5), and an intermediate implant (6) designed to be interposed between the tibial implant and the talar implant, said intermediate implant (6) being designed to be mounted to move relative to said talar implant (2) at a contact interface (7) in order to allow the ankle to move, said ankle prosthesis (1) being characterized in that it is provided with configurable coupling means (10) designed to enable the intermediate implant (6) to be arranged relative to the tibial implant (4) in a specific configuration chosen from among a plurality of possible configurations.