Arthroplasty Anchor With Plastic Deformation For Bone Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current arthroplasty procedures face challenges in achieving stable and long-term fixation of prosthetic components to bone, particularly in joint resurfacing and replacement surgeries, where existing methods often rely on bone screws or cement, which may not provide adequate initial or long-term stability and can lead to complications like osteolysis.

Innovation Solution

The use of anchors with a rail, blade, and support, featuring an undercut channel and complementary dovetail shape, which deform plastically to secure the prosthetic component to the bone, providing immediate compression and potential for bone ingrowth, thereby enhancing fixation without the need for screws or cement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bone screws or cement are used for fixation, then the prosthetic component can be secured to the bone, but the initial stability and long-term fixation are inadequate and complications like osteolysis occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidosteolysis risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is divided into distinct functional segments: a rail portion that engages with the prosthetic component, a blade portion that penetrates the bone, and a support structure connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, providing reliable fixation without the harmful effects of screws or cement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using screws that cut into the bone or cement that requires bone removal, the invention uses an anchor that presses against the bone surface. The blade portion applies compression force directly to the bone, creating stable fixation through pressure rather than penetration or chemical bonding, thereby avoiding osteolysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If traditional fixation methods are used, then the prosthetic component can be attached to the bone, but immediate compression and bone ingrowth potential are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidlong-term fixation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is pre-configured with the rail, blade, and support in a specific geometric arrangement that enables immediate compression upon insertion. The blade is positioned to apply force to the bone surface from the start, providing immediate stability while creating conditions for future bone ingrowth without requiring additional steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor design creates spaces and surfaces that facilitate bone ingrowth over time. The geometric configuration of the rail, blade, and support structures provides pathways for bone tissue to grow into, enhancing long-term fixation strength through biological integration rather than relying solely on mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If screws or cement are used for fixation, then the prosthetic component can be secured, but the fixation method requires additional materials and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidfixation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of multiple separate components (rail for component attachment, blade for bone engagement, support for structural integrity) into a single integrated anchor device. This eliminates the need for separate screws, cement, and associated application tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it attaches to the prosthetic component via the rail, secures to the bone through the blade's compression action, and provides structural support through the support portion. This multi-functionality in a single device simplifies the fixation system compared to using separate screws and cement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides immediate and long-term fixation of prosthetic components, reducing the risk of complications like osteolysis and allowing for bone ingrowth, thereby stabilizing the implant and promoting better integration with the surrounding bone.

Implementation Method 1

The rail is insertable into the channel to connect the anchor to the prosthetic component, wherein the tab plastically deforms as the rail is inserted into the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

providing immediate compression and potential for bone ingrowth, thereby enhancing fixation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10342667B2Arthroplasty systems and methods

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 ENGAGE MEDICAL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Systems for joint arthroplasty include prostheses which are secured to bone with sliding anchors. Examples include unicondylar and bicondylar knee prostheses for hemi-arthroplasty and total arthroplasty. Instruments guide the anchors into proper engagement with the prosthetic components. Methods of using the prostheses and instruments are disclosed.