Augmented Glenoid Groove Bone Irregularities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical implant systems face challenges in securely fastening glenoid implants to scapula bones due to irregularities caused by imperfect reaming, leading to improper implantation and potential rocking of the implant.
Innovation Solution
The glenoid implant features a bone-engaging surface with a groove that accommodates irregularities at the bone vertex, allowing the implant to sit flush on the prepared bone, along with fixation members and a porous metal surface for enhanced stability and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional flat bone engaging surfaces are used, then the implant structure is simple, but the implant cannot accommodate bone irregularities leading to improper placement and rocking
Solution Approach 1:
The bone engaging surface features a groove with varying depth and profile along its length, creating localized variations in surface geometry. This allows different regions of the surface to accommodate specific bone irregularities, with the groove depth and shape tailored to match the expected bone vertex irregularity profile, thereby improving implant placement precision without requiring complete redesign of the entire surface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional flat two-dimensional bone engaging surface to a three-dimensional surface with a groove that introduces depth variation. This dimensional change allows the surface to conform to irregular bone vertices by providing vertical accommodation through the groove, enabling precise implant placement on non-uniform bone surfaces
2Strength
If fixation members are added to enhance stability, then the implant fixation strength is improved, but the implant structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into multiple individual fixation members distributed across the bone engaging surface, with each member providing localized anchoring. This segmentation allows the total fixation strength to be distributed across multiple points, enhancing overall stability while maintaining a modular structure that can be designed with repeatable elements to control complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If a groove is introduced to accommodate bone irregularities, then the implant placement accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed as an integral feature of the bone engaging surface during implant manufacturing, rather than being created during surgery. This preliminary action allows the groove geometry to be precisely controlled and replicated across implants, ensuring consistent accommodation of bone irregularities while simplifying the surgical procedure. The groove can be manufactured using standard forming processes that integrate it into the implant body
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
The described solution enables precise placement and secure fixation of the glenoid implant, reducing the risk of rocking and ensuring proper alignment, thereby improving the efficacy of shoulder joint reconstruction surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The groove can include a porous metal surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implant. The implant can include a body and a plurality of fixation members. The body can define an articular surface and a bone engaging surface opposite the articular surface. The bone engaging surface can define a groove that separates a first section of the bone engaging surface from a second section of the bone engaging surface. The plurality of fixation members can extend from the bone engaging surface.