Glenoid Baseplate Insertion Tool with Deflectable Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for attaching plate-like implants to bone require initial fixation using threaded elements like bone screws, which can be cumbersome, especially in limited access areas like the glenoid of the shoulder, and necessitate separate instruments for holding the plate and inserting screws.

Innovation Solution

An insertion instrument with a body having fixed and deflectable arms, a threaded bore, and an actuator that allows positive attachment of the implant plate while guiding a bone screw through a bore for secure attachment to the bone, facilitating simultaneous handling and screw insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate instruments are used to hold the plate and insert screws, then the plate can be securely held, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure plate holdingVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the plate holding function and screw insertion function into a single instrument. The instrument includes a body with a receiving cavity that holds the plate, and a screw insertion channel that guides the screw through the plate. This integration eliminates the need for separate instruments while maintaining secure plate holding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold the plate securely in position, guide the screw through the plate, and facilitate the screw insertion process. The body structure serves both as a plate holder and a screw guide, making it a universal tool for the entire implantation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a single instrument holds the plate and guides screw insertion, then the procedure becomes more efficient, but the instrument structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion efficiencyVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument body is segmented into distinct functional regions: a receiving cavity for holding the plate, a screw insertion channel for guiding the screw, and an actuator mechanism for facilitating insertion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining an organized and manageable overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screw insertion channel is nested within the body structure, and the actuator mechanism is integrated into the body. The receiving cavity accommodates the plate while the screw channel runs through the plate itself. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to be combined without increasing the overall instrument size or complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the instrument body is rigid, then it provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate variations in plate thickness and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of plate variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument incorporates a deflectable arm that can dynamically adjust its position and angle. This deflectable component allows the instrument to adapt to variations in plate thickness, positioning, and anatomy while maintaining overall stability. The actuator mechanism enables controlled deflection and return to original position, providing both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure and efficient attachment of orthopedic implants to bone with reduced insertion forces, improving ease of use in constrained spaces like the glenoid area by allowing the instrument to grip the plate and guide the screw insertion.

Implementation Method 1

A deflectable arm (21) is received within the crossmember (19) and is slitted to allow the arm (21) to deflect outwardly... the arm (21) is slitted to allow the arm (21) to deflect outwardly against the base plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The bore (59) in the actuator (22) is threaded... The actuator (22) includes a threaded portion (60, 62) which threads engagement with threaded portions (63) in the body (12, 14, 16)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9044344B2Glenoid baseplate insertion tool

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

An insertion instrument for inserting an orthopedic implant into a bone and guiding an implant attachment element into the bone comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and a bore extending along a central axis; a fixed arm and a deflectable arm coupled to the body second end, the fixed arm spaced from the deflectable arm forming an attachment element receiving passageway therebetween extending along the central axis, the fixed arm having an implant engaging free end spaced a fixed distance from the central axis; and an actuator mounted on the first end of the body for moving the deflectable arm away from the fixed arm while allowing the attachment element to traverse the passageway.