Glenoid Implant Replaceable Articulating Portion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoulder joint replacement surgeries face challenges with implant wear and the need for conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, as existing glenoid implants often loosen or require disturbing the bone fixation during articulating portion replacement or conversion.
Innovation Solution
A glenoid implant with a durable, detachable coupling between its bone fixation and articulating portions, allowing for long-lasting fixation to the glenoid bone and easy exchange or conversion of the articulating portion without disturbing the bone fixation, utilizing a bone fixation portion with geometric design for secure engagement and intermediate coupling for stable, disengageable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the articulating portion is made detachable to allow replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glenoid implant is divided into three distinct segments: a bone fixation portion, an intermediate coupling portion, and an articulating portion. This segmentation allows the articulating portion to be replaced independently while maintaining the integrity of the bone fixation portion, directly enabling easier repair without requiring complete implant removal or bone disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate coupling portion is introduced as a mediator between the bone fixation portion and the articulating portion. This coupling portion provides a durable but detachable connection, allowing the articulating portion to be exchanged while maintaining secure attachment to the bone. The intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing both stability and replaceability.
2Reliability
If the bone fixation portion is made permanently secure, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into a permanently fixed bone fixation portion and a replaceable articulating portion connected through an intermediate coupling. This segmentation allows the bone fixation portion to remain reliably secured in the bone while the articulating portion can be easily exchanged or the entire assembly converted to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty configuration without disturbing the bone fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate coupling portion provides a dynamic connection that allows for future conversion or exchange. While the bone fixation portion remains permanently secure, the coupling mechanism enables the articulating portion to be removed and the implant to be converted to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, providing operational flexibility without compromising initial fixation reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the articulating portion is made wear-resistant, then the duration of action is improved, but the need for replacement due to wear eventually arises
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating portion is designed as a replaceable component that can be exchanged when worn, similar to a disposable element. While the bone fixation portion is meant to remain permanently, the articulating portion serves as a consumable component that protects the permanent fixation from wear damage. This approach is more economical and less invasive than replacing the entire implant or disturbing bone fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
The glenoid implant described here addresses wear of the implant's portion which articulates with a humeral head, and also addresses a frequent need to reverse the normal glenoid and humeral articulating surfaces. The new glenoid implant provides a coupling portion between the implant's bone fixation portion, which joins the implant to the glenoid bone, and the implant's articulating portion which articulates on an opposing humeral head. The coupling portion is joined to the bone fixation portion firmly but is disengageable without requiring the bone fixation portion's replacement so that the articulating portion can be removed from the implant and replaced without changing either the coupling portion or the bone fixation portion.