Expandable Flange Talar Dome Implant Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total ankle replacement methods require significant bone modification and larger holes for stem insertion, which can be invasive and may not adequately anchor the implants, leading to potential instability and pain in damaged ankle joints.
Innovation Solution
An expandable stem implant with multiple flanges that can be inserted into a smaller hole in the bone and expanded using an expansion device to securely anchor the implant, mimicking the natural ankle joint's articulation surfaces and providing stability without extensive bone resection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional total ankle replacement methods are used with fixed stems, then the implant can be anchored in the bone, but significant bone modification and larger holes are required, which is more invasive and may not provide adequate anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is designed to transition from a compressed low-profile configuration for insertion through a small canal to an expanded configuration that engages the bone wall, providing dynamic adaptation rather than requiring a large pre-formed hole
Solution Approach 2:
The stem's physical parameters (diameter, cross-sectional area) are changed from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state after insertion, allowing the same component to pass through a small canal and then occupy a larger space for anchoring
2Reliability
If larger holes are drilled for stem insertion, then better anchoring may be achieved, but more bone is removed and the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable stem allows the anchoring structure to be created after insertion rather than requiring a large hole to be drilled beforehand, thus preserving bone while achieving secure anchoring
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed stem is nested within the small bone canal during insertion, then the stem expands outward to engage the canal walls, similar to a nested doll that fits through a small opening then occupies more space
3Ease of manufacture
If more bone is resected to make space for the talar stem, then the implant can be installed, but the procedure becomes more invasive with potential instability and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic expansion capability allows the stem to be inserted through a minimal canal and then expanded to provide stable anchoring, eliminating the need for extensive bone resection that would be required for a fixed large-diameter stem
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 expandable stem implant offers improved anchoring and stability in the ankle joint, reducing the need for extensive bone modification and potentially providing better pain relief and joint function compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of flanges are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter by driving an expansion device between the plurality of flanges
Data Source
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AI summary
A joint replacement implant (202) is disclosed. The implant includes a body (203) having a bone contact surface (210) and an articulation surface (204). An expandable stem (208) extends longitudinally from the bone contact surface. The expandable stem includes a plurality of flanges (208a, 208b). The plurality of flanges are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter to anchor the implant to a bone.