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 sudden restoration of mobility, leading to balance issues and tissue deterioration, and are prohibited by certain regulatory requirements, while also experiencing wear and comfort problems.

Innovation Solution

An ankle prosthesis with a configurable coupling means that allows adjustable positioning of the intermediate implant relative to the tibial implant, enabling selection of specific functional configurations to minimize stress and optimize mobility and stability, using polyethylene and adjustable fixing mechanisms to secure the intermediate implant, thereby reducing wear and improving comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If three-implant ankle prostheses are used to restore joint mobility, then freedom of movement is improved, but stability deteriorates due to sudden restoration of mobility causing balance issues and tissue deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates a configurable coupling means that allows dynamic adjustment of the intermediate implant's position relative to the tibial implant. This enables the system to transition between different functional configurations, providing adaptability while maintaining stability through controlled mobility rather than sudden movement restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameters of the intermediate implant by providing adjustable coupling mechanisms. This allows modification of the implant arrangement to match patient-specific anatomy and requirements, optimizing both mobility and stability through parameter adjustment rather than fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If three-implant ankle prostheses are used to restore joint mobility, then freedom of movement is improved, but rehabilitation duration increases due to instability and balance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidrehabilitation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The configurable coupling means enables dynamic positioning of the intermediate implant, allowing the prosthesis to adapt to patient needs and provide stable mobility restoration. This reduces the need for prolonged rehabilitation as the implant can be optimized for individual patients, shortening the recovery timeline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If three-implant ankle prostheses are used, then joint mobility is restored, but wear increases and comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint mobilityVSAvoidwear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adjusts the positional parameters of the intermediate implant through configurable coupling mechanisms. This optimization of implant arrangement reduces abnormal wear by ensuring proper alignment and load distribution, thereby improving comfort and longevity of the prosthesis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed configuration ankle prostheses are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to patient anatomy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to patient anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates configurable coupling means that allow post-manufacturing adjustment of the intermediate implant's position. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability to patient-specific anatomy through adjustable rather than fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the coupling mechanism into adjustable components that can be configured independently. This allows the prosthesis to maintain a standardized manufactured form while enabling customization of the intermediate implant's position to match individual patient anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1915975B1Ankle prosthesis with neutral position adjustment

Publication Date: 2012.04.04 NEWDEAL SAS IF

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Figure 4~7

AI summary

The prosthesis (1) has a talus implant (2) destined to be implanted in or on a talus, and a tibial implant (4) implanted in or on a tibia. An intermediate implant (6) is interposed between the tibial implant and talus implant. The intermediate implant is mounted relative to the talus implant at the level of contact interface in order to allow the movement of the prosthesis. A configurable coupling unit (10) arranges the intermediate implant with respect to the tibial implant according to a specific configuration i.e. neutral configuration, chosen from a set of possible configurations. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for fabricating an ankle prosthesis (2) a test ankle prosthesis to be implanted in a location of ankle prosthesis, comprising a test talus implant (3) a surgical kit, comprising ankle prosthesis and test ankle prosthesis.