Asymmetric Ligament Link Positioning for Knee Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee prosthesis assemblies face challenges in efficiently restoring the function of resected or removed anatomical ligaments, particularly in differentiating between left and right knee implantations, which affects the optimal positioning and tension of ligament links.
Innovation Solution
A method for implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly that involves coupling a ligament link to either the femur or tibia, with specific positioning based on whether the assembly is being implanted in a left or right knee, utilizing patient-specific components and adjustable coupling components to maintain necessary tension and support knee joint movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a universal knee prosthesis assembly is used for both left and right knees, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and proper positioning of the ligament link cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different ligament link positioning features for left and right knee implantation. The tibial tray includes asymmetric positioning features such as asymmetric femoral attachment feature positioning, asymmetric femoral attachment feature geometry, and asymmetric ligament link tunnel positioning. This allows the same universal tibial tray component to achieve precise positioning for both left and right knees through asymmetric design elements rather than requiring completely different components.
2Manufacturing precision
If ligament function restoration requires complex positioning and tensioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation during implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the ligament link with specific geometries and pre-positioning features that facilitate easy implantation. The ligament link includes pre-formed attachment features, pre-formed tunnels, and pre-configured geometries that allow for straightforward attachment to the femoral and tibial components. This preliminary configuration of the ligament link reduces the complexity of the implantation process while maintaining precise positioning.
3Ease of operation
If quick and convenient implantation is prioritized, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of ligament link positioning may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple positioning functions into single features. The asymmetric femoral attachment feature simultaneously provides attachment functionality and positioning reference. The ligament link tunnel is integrated directly into the tibial tray rather than being a separate component, combining the tunnel formation and positioning functions. This merging reduces the number of separate steps and components needed during implantation while maintaining precise positioning through the integrated asymmetric features.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly. The method includes: coupling a femoral component to a femur, and coupling a tibial component to a tibia; coupling a ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia; coupling the ligament link to a coupling component of one of the femoral component or the tibial component; arranging the ligament link in a first position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a left knee; and arranging the ligament link in a second position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a right knee, the second position is different from the first position.