Convertible Glenoid Implant Layout for Stable Shoulder Revision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder replacement prostheses face challenges in converting from anatomic to reverse configurations without disrupting fixation, particularly due to limited bone availability and the risk of joint overstuffing, leading to instability and wear issues.
Innovation Solution
A convertible glenohumeral implant system with a backing component and offset peg design allows for conversion between anatomic and reverse articulations without changing the center of rotation, utilizing a neutral bearing component and inclined backing component with adjustable angles, and a peg extending from the backing component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional two-system glenoid implant with separate metallic fixation component and polyethylene articular component is used, then the articulation can be provided, but the fixation mechanisms take up packaging space that could be used for thicker PE or larger metallic components, leading to over-optimization where the PE is too thin, metallic components are too small, or the overall mechanism is insufficiently rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the metallic fixation component and polyethylene articular component into a single monolithic glenoid implant formed from a single piece of polyethylene material. The metallic reinforcement structure is integrated within the polyethylene material rather than being separate, creating a unified component that eliminates packaging space issues and allows for adequate thickness and strength without over-optimization of individual sub-components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by embedding a metallic reinforcement structure within polyethylene material. The metallic component provides structural strength and fixation capability while the polyethylene provides the articular surface and shock absorption, creating a synergistic composite material that achieves both strength and functionality in a single integrated component.
2Area of stationary object
If the glenoid fossa is small with reduced bone presence in arthritis patients, then the surgeon has limited positioning and bone to work with, but the prosthesis still needs to provide sufficient fixation and articular surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the metallic fixation structure within the polyethylene material, creating a nested configuration where the metallic component is contained within the larger polyethylene articular surface. This allows the small glenoid fossa to accommodate the integrated component without requiring separate fixation elements that would compete for limited bone space, while still providing sufficient articular surface area.
3Reliability
If conventional separate fixation and articular components are used, then modular assembly is possible, but there is little additional packaging space for attachment mechanisms, leading to insufficient rigidity and secondary wear surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixation function and articular surface function into a single integrated component. The metallic reinforcement structure is embedded within the polyethylene material, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms between distinct fixation and articular components. This reduces the number of interfaces and potential wear surfaces while maintaining adequate rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, disclosed is a glenohumeral implant with improved joint mobility. The implant can include a backing component; a neutral non-inclined bearing component on a concave side of the backing component, the bearing component made from a different material than the backing component and configured to touch a glenosphere having a center of rotation.