Glenoid Component Offset Center Reduces Loosening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Glenoid components often experience premature loosening due to repeated eccentric loading, known as the 'rocking horse' effect, which increases the risk of dislocation.

Innovation Solution

A glenoid component with an offset center design, featuring a raised peripheral portion and an anchor portion centered on a central axis, which helps to re-center the humeral head and increase joint tension, reducing the risk of luxation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the spherical joint surface and anchor portion are centered on the same geometric axis, then the manufacturing and implantation process is simplified, but the component is susceptible to premature loosening due to repeated eccentric loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing and implantation simplicityVSAvoidresistance to premature loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally offsetting the center of the spherical joint surface from the central axis of the glenoid cavity. The spherical joint surface is positioned with its center located at a specific offset distance from the glenoid cavity center, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents the rocking horse effect and reduces premature loosening while maintaining manufacturability through standardized offset measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the spherical joint surface is offset from the central axis, then the risk of premature loosening is reduced, but the complexity of the component design increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to premature looseningVSAvoidcomponent design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining the offset position through specific measurable parameters rather than complex geometric constructions. The spherical joint surface center is positioned at a predetermined offset distance from the glenoid cavity center, and the articular surface is configured with specific curvature parameters that together achieve the desired stability without excessive design complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the articular surface is centered on the glenoid cavity, then the structural symmetry is maintained, but the humeral head is prone to dislocation during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural symmetryVSAvoidrisk of humeral head dislocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by offsetting the spherical joint surface from the glenoid cavity center. This asymmetric positioning creates a mechanical constraint that prevents the humeral head from dislocating during movement while the overall glenoid component maintains structural integrity and symmetry in its anchoring configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS9358119B2Glenoid component with offset center and associated methods

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 TORNIER SA SAINT ISMIER

AI summary

A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.