Glenoid Baseplate Channel Assembly for Secure Shoulder Implant Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articular cartilage repair methods, such as using fibrocartilage, do not replicate the durability and functionality of native hyaline cartilage, necessitating improved implant designs that maximize patient comfort, minimize damage, and ensure easy installation.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder implant system comprising a glenoid implant with a baseplate and fixation elements, including a center post and channel configuration, along with a releasable mechanical connection and tether, to facilitate assembly and secure attachment to the bone, utilizing interference fits and anchors for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fibrocartilage is used for repair, then healing occurs, but the durability and functionality are insufficient compared to native hyaline cartilage
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed to copy and replicate the structure, composition, and mechanical properties of native hyaline cartilage. The cartilaginous portion of the implant mimics the extracellular matrix, collagen fiber arrangement, and proteoglycan content of healthy cartilage, providing a durable repair solution that restores native tissue functionality rather than merely forming scar tissue.
2Ease of operation
If implants are designed to maximize patient comfort and minimize damage, then patient outcomes improve, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct segments including a baseplate for bone attachment, a cartilaginous portion for joint surface replacement, and fixation elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling staged implantation procedures that can be performed with standard surgical techniques, balancing patient outcomes with surgical feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation elements are designed to be received within receptacles in the baseplate, with the cartilaginous portion then attached to the baseplate. This nested configuration allows for compact storage, precise alignment during implantation, and secure assembly that minimizes surgical complexity while ensuring proper positioning for optimal patient comfort and minimal tissue damage.
3Strength
If fixation elements are designed for secure attachment, then implant stability improves, but assembly and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are pre-formed with specific geometries including threads, ribs, or interlocking features that are designed to mate with corresponding receptacles in the baseplate. This preliminary preparation of the fixation elements allows for secure attachment through simple insertion and engagement actions during surgery, achieving strong fixation without complex assembly procedures.
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 system provides a durable and functional repair by mimicking native hyaline cartilage properties, minimizing damage to surrounding areas, and ensuring easy and secure implant installation.
Implementation Method 1
the post of the glenoid implant and the center post receptacle of the baseplate form the interference fit
Implementation Method 2
the at least one fixation element of the glenoid implant and the at least one fixation element of the baseplate are configured to engage with an interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder implant system comprising a glenoid implant; a baseplate comprising an implant facing surface to face the glenoid implant; wherein the glenoid implant comprises at least one fixation element configured to engage with at least one fixation element of the baseplate; wherein the at least one fixation element of the glenoid implant comprises a center post having a distal end; wherein the at least one fixation element of the baseplate comprises a center post receptacle; wherein the baseplate comprises an outer periphery; wherein the implant facing surface of the baseplate comprises a channel which extends from the outer periphery of the baseplate to the center post receptacle of the baseplate; and wherein the channel is configured such that, during an assembly of the glenoid implant and the baseplate, the distal end of the post is movable in the channel from the outer periphery of the baseplate to the center post receptacle of the baseplate.