Configurable Orthopaedic Implant Stepped Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic implant systems face limitations in configuring modular assemblies to achieve precise dimensions and adaptability for varying anatomical conditions, particularly in restoring functionality to joints with severe bone defects or fractures, as they often result in a fixed total height and limited modularity.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthopaedic implant systems with components featuring stepped geometries and Morse taper connections, allowing for configurable collapsed and extended configurations, enabling precise positioning and adjustable lengths, and the ability to stack components to achieve specific dimensions, facilitating the restoration of joint functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-geometry implant components are used, then the implant structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to varying anatomical conditions and bone defects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The implant components are divided into multiple tiers or levels within the cavity structure, with each tier having different geometric profiles (e.g., first tier with first geometry, second tier with second geometry). This segmentation allows the single component to provide multiple configuration options for adapting to various anatomical conditions and bone defects, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate implant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant component is designed with multi-functional geometry that can accommodate different configurations within a single structure. The cavity includes multiple tiers with varying geometries that can engage with different stem profiles, allowing the same implant component to serve multiple functions and adapt to different patient anatomies and defect types, achieving universality without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components with multiple configurations are introduced, then the adaptability and customization options increase, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is segmented into multiple tiers, each with specific geometric features designed to engage with corresponding stem portions. This segmentation creates a hierarchical assembly structure where components can be systematically configured, making the modular assembly process more organized and easier to perform despite the increased number of configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tiers of the cavity have locally optimized geometries (e.g., first tier with first geometry, second tier with second geometry) that correspond to specific functional requirements. This local quality differentiation allows each portion of the implant to be optimized for its specific engagement purpose, simplifying the assembly process by providing clear geometric cues for proper component alignment and configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If stepped geometry with multiple tiers is implemented, then the precision in positioning and dimensioning improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is divided into discrete tiers with defined geometric boundaries, allowing each tier to be manufactured with specific precision requirements. This segmentation enables progressive manufacturing approaches where each tier can be formed or machined to its required precision independently, making the overall high-precision component more manufacturable through staged production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped geometry with multiple tiers serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides positioning precision, defines engagement interfaces, and creates configuration options. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated component design, the patent achieves high positioning precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same geometric features serve multiple purposes.
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 enhances the ability to restore joint functionality by allowing for customizable assembly configurations, reducing the amount of native bone removal, improving mobility, and facilitating better healing outcomes by providing a modular system that can be tailored to individual anatomical needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first Morse taper connection may be established between a periphery of the first cavity level and the first tapered periphery
Implementation Method 2
engagement between the periphery of the second cavity level to establish a second Morse taper connection
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to orthopaedic implant systems and methods for restoring functionality to a bone and/or joint. The implant systems disclosed herein may include one or more components that may be configurable to establish a distance or span between two points of the respective implant system, such as an articular surface and an end of the implant system. A method of installing an orthopaedic implant system is also disclosed.