Patient-Specific Glenoid Guide Using 3D Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for shoulder joint reconstruction, such as glenoid fossa repair, are not sufficiently accurate in reproducing the natural movement of the shoulder joint due to reliance on two-dimensional x-rays and manual shaping of implants, which is tedious and time-consuming, making it difficult to form a continuous surface that matches the defect and surrounding anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A method using three-dimensional modeling based on medical imaging data to create patient-specific guides and implants that accurately conform to the defect, allowing for precise replication of the anatomical surface, including the use of 3D models for molds and implants formed from materials like bone graft, and the integration of computer-assisted design for pre-operative planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If two-dimensional x-rays and manual shaping methods are used for shoulder joint reconstruction, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy of reproducing natural shoulder joint movement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of reproducing natural shoulder joint movementVSAvoidcomplexity of surgical equipment and planning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional x-ray imaging to three-dimensional imaging (CT or MRI) to create comprehensive 3D models of the patient's anatomy. This dimensional change enables accurate reproduction of the defect volume and surrounding anatomy, allowing implants to be designed with precise spatial relationships that reproduce natural shoulder joint movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs comprehensive surgical planning and creates 3D models of implants and guides before the actual surgery. By pre-defining the defect volume, designing custom implants, and creating patient-specific guides in advance, the surgery itself becomes more efficient and accurate without requiring complex intraoperative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual shaping of implants is performed during surgery, then custom implants can be created to fit the defect, but the process is tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconformity of implant to defectVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates 3D models of the implant and patient-specific guides before surgery based on pre-operative imaging data. The implant design is finalized and manufactured in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual shaping during surgery. The pre-planned approach maintains high precision while significantly reducing surgical time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's anatomy and defect volume from imaging data. This digital model serves as a precise template for designing and manufacturing the custom implant, eliminating the need for manual copying or shaping during surgery while ensuring exact conformity to the defect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If implants are formed by hand to fill the defect, then the implant can be created using available materials, but it is difficult to provide a continuous surface with the surrounding anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of surface with surrounding anatomyVSAvoiddifficulty of forming implant by hand
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses three-dimensional imaging and 3D modeling to precisely define the defect volume and its relationship to surrounding anatomy. This 3D approach allows the implant design to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding bone structure, creating a continuous surface that is difficult to achieve through manual shaping alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from manual material manipulation to computer-aided design and manufacturing. By using software to model the implant geometry and control its parameters precisely, the system can ensure smooth transitions and continuous surfaces that match the surrounding anatomy, then manufacture the implant with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9554910B2Patient-specific glenoid guide and implants
Publication Date: 2017.01.31 BIOMET MFG LLC
  • US9554910B2 patent drawing
  • US9554910B2 patent drawing
  • US9554910B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed for repairing a defect in an anatomical feature, the defect having a surface that defines a volume. The method includes receiving imaging data obtained using a medical imaging technique. The imaging data represents the anatomical feature. In one example, the method further includes creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a mold for an implant based on the imaging data. The mold includes a cavity that replicates the volume of the defect. In another example, the method further includes creating a 3D model of an implant based on the imaging data. The implant is configured to fill the volume of the defect. In various implementations, the mold, the implant, and/or a replica of the implant are formed based on the 3D model of the mold or the 3D model of the implant. Guides and implants corresponding to the method are also disclosed.