Glenoid Fossa Prosthesis Fixation Plates and Morse Taper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current repair methods for glenoid defects in the scapula, such as bone grafts and existing prosthetic devices, are limited in effectiveness due to the complexities of the shoulder joint and often require viable scapular structure for support, leaving patients with deteriorated scapular structure without viable options for restoration of shoulder function.
Innovation Solution
A glenoid fossa endoprosthetic device featuring fixation plates with setscrew holes and a thread engagement plate for secure attachment to the scapula, allowing for customizable fit and stability, including the option for oblique setscrew placement for added stability, and interchangeable glenosphere and glenosocket components using a Morse taper for versatile shoulder joint repair configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone grafts are used for glenoid repair, then the glenoid fossa can be reconstructed, but patient reactions to medication, bleeding, post-operative infection, and pain at harvest and graft sites occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a synthetic bone graft substitute that eliminates the need for harvesting real bone from the patient's body. The synthetic material (e.g., polyetheretherketone or other biocompatible polymers) serves as a disposable, pre-fabricated graft that avoids all associated risks of autografting including donor site pain, bleeding, infection, and medication reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures combining synthetic bone graft material with fixation devices (screws, plates, or interlocking mechanisms). This composite approach provides both the structural replacement needed for glenoid reconstruction and the mechanical fixation required for stable integration, while avoiding biological complications of real bone grafts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic bone is used for glenoid repair, then rejection and post-operative infection are reduced, but usefulness is limited due to the complexities of the shoulder joint and physical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines synthetic bone material with metal fixation components (screws, plates, or interlocking mechanisms) to create a composite construct. The synthetic material provides infection-resistant bone replacement while the metal fixation elements provide the mechanical strength needed to withstand shoulder joint stresses and complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of synthetic bone materials through variations in density, porosity, and structural configuration to better match the mechanical properties of natural bone and improve load-bearing capacity under shoulder joint stresses.
3Ease of operation
If current repair methods (hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder replacement) are used, then shoulder joint function can be restored, but adequate scapular structure is required for support and fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a self-contained synthetic bone graft device that serves as a complete replacement for deficient scapular structure. This disposable, pre-fabricated graft eliminates the requirement for adequate native scapular structure, allowing the procedure to be performed even when the glenoid fossa and surrounding bone are non-viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal repair solution that can be applied across multiple clinical scenarios including scapular fractures, tumors, infections, and severe osteoarthritis. The synthetic bone graft device with its integrated fixation mechanisms provides a single platform that adapts to various degrees of scapular deficiency and can be used in both standard and reverse total shoulder replacement configurations.
4Reliability
If real bone grafts are used, then the glenoid fossa can be reconstructed, but the procedure is limited by the availability of healthy bone from another area or cadaver donation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for donor bone (whether autograft from the patient's own body or allograft from a cadaver) with a synthetic bone graft substitute. This synthetic material is manufactured in advance and sterilized, eliminating all logistical challenges related to bone availability, harvesting, and transplantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates artificial copies of bone tissue using synthetic materials that replicate the structural and functional properties of natural bone. These synthetic copies are manufactured with controlled porosity, density, and mechanical properties to mimic healthy bone, providing a reliable alternative to variable donor bone quality and availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoprosthetic device for replacement of a diseased or damaged scapular glenoid fossa. The device includes a glenosphere or a glenosocket member, or provides the option of mating a glenosphere or glenosocket member via a Morse taper. The device also features opposing fixation plates that grip resected scapular area anteroposteriorly to fixate the device through use of a plurality of setscrews. An Oblique setscrew that engages the scapular body inferiorly may be added for improved fixation. A porous mesh surface treatment on the inner faces of the fixation plates may be utilized to improve osteoconductivity.