Glenoid Fossa Prosthesis with Segmented Flange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current repair methods for the glenoid fossa in scapular deficient patients are inadequate due to the complexity of the shoulder joint and the need for rigid fixation plates that do not apply unnecessary pressure, as existing devices fail to provide stable and pain-free solutions for scapular structure support in cases of severe deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A glenoid fossa prosthesis device with a base member and separable flange featuring conical tapers, modular fixation screws, and a titanium trabecular mesh coating for osteoconductivity, designed to fit the irregular scapular surface, ensuring stable fixation without excessive pressure on the tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation plates are used to support scapular structure, then structural stability is improved, but post-surgical pain and tissue injury increase due to latent compressive and tensile forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpost-surgical pain and tissue injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation plate is divided into two separable halves that can be positioned on opposite sides of the scapula. This segmentation allows the plate to accommodate the curved scapular surface without forcing the tissue, eliminating latent compressive and tensile forces while maintaining structural stability through proper positioning and fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If fixation plates are made malleable to conform to scapular surface, then ease of installation is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates causing repair failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation plate is designed with a curved configuration that matches the natural curvature of the scapular surface. This curved design allows the rigid plate to conform to the scapula without requiring malleability, enabling both easy installation and maintaining structural rigidity for successful repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If the gap between fixation plates is not adequate to straddle the scapula, then device complexity is reduced, but surgeon must force plates apart causing tissue injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidtissue injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation plate is segmented into two halves with a gap between them that allows the plate to straddle the scapula. This segmentation enables the plate to accommodate the scapular anatomy without forcing, eliminating tissue injury while maintaining a relatively simple device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the gap between fixation plates is too wide, then adaptability to scapular anatomy is improved, but surgeon must force plates together causing latent tensile forces and pain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to scapular anatomyVSAvoidlatent tensile forces and post-surgical pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation plate is designed with a curved configuration that matches the scapular surface anatomy. This curvature allows the plate to adapt to the scapular shape with an appropriate gap size, eliminating the need to force the plates together and preventing latent tensile forces and post-surgical pain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device provides a stable and pain-free shoulder repair by accommodating the scapular curvature, resisting deformation, and promoting tissue integration, thereby enhancing patient function and reducing post-surgical complications.

Implementation Method 1

titanium trabecular mesh coating for osteoconductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoconductivity:

Data Source

PatentUS11344422B2Glenoid fossa prosthesis

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 MAALE GERHARD E

AI summary

The improved glenoid fossa prosthesis for repair of a scapular deficient patient includes a base with a fixed flange, and a separable flange. A conical taper on the base and a complimentary locator edge positively orient the separable flange when joined with the base for affixation by screw. A plurality of flange fixation screws penetrates the scapular tissue between the flanges for affixation of the flanges thereto. The flange thickness is variable to approximate the topography of the scapular tissue in the affixation area to minimize tissue trimming during fitment. A cutting mask attaches to the deficient scapula in the glenoid fossa area to guide the physician in trimming scapular tissue for fitment. A cortical screw further fixates the base to the scapular tissue. A second conical taper on the base serves as a mount for a glenoid sphere (reverse shoulder) or socket (standard shoulder) repair configuration.