Arcuate Linker Shock Absorber for Hip Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hip replacement technologies often lead to failure due to inadequate dissipation of impact forces, resulting in chronic inflammation, fibrosis, pseudo tumors, vasculitis, and increased risk of peri-implant fractures, which compromise the longevity and durability of the prosthesis.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates arcuate linkers to absorb and redistribute impact forces between the femoral head and acetabulum, featuring a shell, articular device, and shock absorber with a collar and pedicel attachments, allowing for limited movement and stress dispersion, thereby reducing the risk of implant mobility and fractures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard metal/ceramic-on-metal/ceramic implants are used, then wear and tear is reduced, but chronic inflammation, fibrosis, pseudo tumors, and vasculitis occur due to direct force transmission from metal on bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shock-absorbing intermediary layer between the metal-on-metal articulation and the bone. This layer includes viscoelastic material (such as polyethylene or silicone rubber) that mediates the force transmission, absorbing impact forces before they reach the bone tissue, thereby preventing the harmful biological reactions while maintaining the wear-resistant metal articulation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polyethylene acetabulum liner or elastomeric liner is used between femur head and acetabulum cap, then concerns regarding fracture of ceramic liner, metal debris, and periprosthesis bone fractures are reduced, but rapid wear and osteolysis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction combining metal components (for structural strength and wear resistance) with viscoelastic polymer materials (for shock absorption). The metal shell and articulating surfaces provide durability, while the embedded viscoelastic shock-absorbing layer provides impact mitigation, creating a composite structure that achieves both wear resistance and reduced fracture risk
3Ease of operation
If conventional arthroplasty prostheses are used, then hip replacement is achieved, but impact forces are not effectively dissipated, leaving bone susceptible to force concentration, implant mobility, and bone fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shock-absorbing elements (viscoelastic layers, spring mechanisms, or elastomeric materials) that are pre-installed within the prosthesis structure before implantation. These elements are positioned to absorb impact forces during heel strike and other loading events, providing beforehand cushioning that protects both the implant-bone interface and surrounding bone from force concentration that would otherwise lead to loosening or fracture
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
This design effectively reduces the concentration of undesirable forces on the bone, enhancing the biomechanical compatibility and durability of the prosthesis, thereby minimizing the risk of peri-implant fractures and adverse reactions, and improving patient comfort and prosthesis longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber spacing and allowing limited movement between the shell and the articular device
Implementation Method 2
strategic placement of arcuate linkers to absorb and redistribute impact forces, thereby reducing the risk of peri-implant mobility and, or, fracture
Implementation Method 3
the central shaft resiliently moves between 0.1 mm and 3.0 mm with respect to the shell when a force of between 700 to 5000 Newtons is applied to the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A load dissipating arthroplasty prosthesis comprising a shell, an articular device extending into the shell through a collar defined in the sell, a head and neck portion of the articular device extending from the collar, a shaft portion of the articular device extending into the shell, and a plurality of shock absorbing arcuate linkers spacing and allowing limited movement between the shell and the articular device.