Shoulder Arthroplasty Component Sizing From CT-Based Glenoid Anatomy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shoulder arthroplasty systems lack optimal design based on anatomical distribution, leading to issues such as glenoid component sizing inadequacies, malposition, and instability, particularly in patients with arthritis, due to inadequate instrumentation and reliance on data from non-arthritic shoulders.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing computed tomography scan data to optimize prosthetic component design by measuring specific anatomical features and manufacturing components with dimensions determined by predetermined percentages of these measurements, ensuring accurate fit and stability in arthritic joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If glenoid component sizes are not based on anatomic distribution, then manufacturing and instrumentation are simplified, but component fit and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglenoid component sizingVSAvoidcomponent fit and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific dimensional relationships between glenoid component width and anatomical measurements (width ≤ neutral face plate line length, projection length = 70-90% of depth measurement). This ensures components are sized appropriately for arthritic anatomy while maintaining manufacturability through clear design criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by using preoperative CT scanning and 3D reconstruction to measure anatomical parameters before surgery. This allows the surgeon to select the appropriate component size in advance, ensuring optimal fit for the patient's specific arthritic anatomy without requiring intraoperative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If larger glenoid components are used, then component fit and stability improve, but risk of glenoid perforation and neurovascular structure violation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis stabilityVSAvoidglenoid perforation and neurovascular violation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by defining precise parameter limits: component width must be less than or equal to the neutral face plate line length, and projection length must be 70-90% of the depth measurement. These parameter constraints ensure the component is large enough for stability while small enough to avoid perforation and neurovascular violation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by customizing component dimensions to match the specific anatomical characteristics of each patient's glenoid. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the component width and projection length are tailored to the individual's neutral face plate line length and depth measurements, ensuring optimal fit without overhang or perforation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional instrumentation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but surgical precision and component positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrumentation systemVSAvoidcomponent positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a 3D digital reconstruction of the patient's glenoid anatomy from CT scan data. This virtual model serves as a precise template for planning component placement and determining optimal component size, allowing the surgeon to transfer the planned dimensions directly to the physical component and instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 method provides precise, anatomically optimized prosthetic components that improve fit and stability in shoulder arthroplasty, reducing complications like glenoid perforation and component overhang, and enhancing tuberosity healing in fracture cases.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining a computed tomography scan of the joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComputed tomography: Tomography

Implementation Method 2

obtaining an image of the bone of the joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2611392B1Method for optimization of joint arthroplasty component design
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH
  • EP2611392B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2611392B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.