Deflectable Glenosphere Inserter for Accurate Shoulder Implant Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools for handling and implanting glenoid baseplates and glenospheres in shoulder arthroplasty procedures are complex and time-consuming, lacking accuracy and ease of use, which affects patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Development of specialized inserter tools with handle assemblies, deflectable tips, and rotation guides to facilitate precise alignment and secure attachment of glenoid baseplates and glenospheres, including features like deflectable distal portions, retention portions, and lumen structures for improved handling and implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional surgical tools are used for handling and implanting glenoid baseplates and glenospheres, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming with reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated inserter tool. The inserter integrates the baseplate holder, glenosphere delivery mechanism, and impactor into one unified device, eliminating the need for multiple separate surgical tools and reducing procedural complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter is designed as a multi-functional tool that can handle baseplates, deliver glenospheres, and perform impactation. The device adapts to different surgical needs through its various components working in sequence, providing universal applicability for glenoid implantation procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional surgical tools are used for implanting glenoid components, then the procedure can be completed, but placement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter pre-positions the glenosphere within its cavity before final implantation. The deflectable tip portion is pre-configured to engage the glenosphere and guide it into the correct position on the baseplate, ensuring accurate placement while simplifying the surgeon's operation
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the glenoid components. It provides a controlled interface for delivering and positioning the baseplate and glenosphere, translating surgeon input into precise component placement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the deflectable tip portion is extended from the outer elongate body, then the glenosphere can be engaged and positioned, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable tip portion is nested within the outer elongate body in a retracted position. When needed, it deflects outward to engage the glenosphere, then returns to its nested position. This nesting approach provides adaptability while maintaining a compact device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The tip portion transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration. It can deflect between retracted and extended positions to adapt to different surgical stages, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate components
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
Enhances surgical efficiency and accuracy, reducing complexity and time in shoulder arthroplasty procedures by providing improved handling and placement of glenoid components, leading to better patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The deflectable distal portion is configured to be deflected within a cavity of a glenosphere and to apply a force to the glenosphere toward the handle of the outer assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A glenosphere handling tool, which can be an inserter, is provided that includes an elongate body and a retention portion. The retention portion is disposed at a distal end of the elongate body. The retention portion includes a plurality of wall segments of the elongate body separated from each other by one or more slots. The slot(s) extends proximally from the distal end of the elongate body. The retention portion also includes an enlarged periphery at the distal end of the elongate body. The enlarged periphery comprising a proximally facing edge configured to engage an inner wall surface of a glenosphere. The retention portion is configured such that when the retention portion is in a free state the proximally facing edge faces and may contact a surface of a glenosphere to retain the glenosphere. The retention portion is configured to be deflected at the distal end of the elongate body such that the enlarged periphery has a reduced profile for separating the handling tool from a glenosphere.