Dome-Shaped Joint Implant With Peripheral Indents for Arthroscopic Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint implants with hemispherical surfaces are difficult to handle and precisely position during arthroscopic surgery due to limited visibility and access within the joint capsule, making insertion and fixation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A dome-shaped implant with a plurality of indents on its periphery is designed to be securely engaged by an inserter with multiple arms, allowing for improved handling and precise positioning within the joint capsule, and the inserter's arms can attach or detach by sliding the shaft, facilitating insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a hemispherical implant is used to resurface the joint, then the implant matches the contour of the damaged cartilage, but the implant becomes difficult to handle and precisely position during arthroscopic surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two functional parts: a hemispherical resurfacing component and a cylindrical insertion component with peripheral indents. The cylindrical portion with indents serves as a handle for arthroscopic manipulation, while the hemispherical portion provides the joint resurfacing function. This segmentation allows the implant to be both easy to handle and shape-matched to the joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical insertion component with peripheral indents acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's instruments and the hemispherical resurfacing component. The indents engage with the inserter tool, providing a mechanical interface that enables precise positioning and controlled insertion of the implant during arthroscopic surgery.
2Shape
If the implant has a smooth hemispherical surface for joint resurfacing, then it provides good contact with the cartilage, but it lacks features for secure engagement with the inserter
Solution Approach 1:
The implant surface is segmented into two zones: a smooth hemispherical bearing surface for optimal cartilage contact and a cylindrical insertion zone with peripheral indents for mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the implant have different surface qualities tailored to their specific functions. The hemispherical portion has a smooth surface for low-friction joint resurfacing, while the peripheral region contains indents with specific geometry for secure engagement with the inserter tool during insertion.
3Measurement precision
If the implant is designed for precise positioning, then it can be accurately placed at the arthroscopic site, but it becomes more difficult to handle within the joint capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design enables dynamic control during insertion. The peripheral indents engage with the inserter to provide stable positioning and precise control during the critical insertion phase, while allowing for easy manipulation and adjustment before final placement within the joint capsule.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant for resurfacing a joint and a driver for the implant. The inserter attaches to the head of the implant. The inserter is designed to facilitate the handling and insertion of an implant at a surgical site. The inserter is provided with a plurality of arms that securely engage a plurality of indents on the edge or periphery of the implant.