Glenoid Vault Fixation for Bone-Limited Shoulder Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoulder repair and revision surgeries face challenges due to limited bone availability for secure fixation of prosthetic components, often requiring large anchor devices that necessitate significant bone removal and complicating revision procedures.
Innovation Solution
A glenoid vault system comprising a superior-inferior and anterior-posterior component with rotatable and securely engaging mechanisms, utilizing screws and a Morse taper for stable attachment, allowing for revision without removing original anchors, and incorporating augment designs to replace bone loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If large anchor devices are used to secure prosthetic components to limited bone, then fixation strength is improved, but bone removal requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glenoid vault system employs nested anchoring components where the superior-inferior and anterior-posterior components are positioned within the glenoid bone in a nested configuration. This allows the prosthetic components to be secured to limited bone availability without requiring large anchor devices, as the nested structure distributes fixation forces across multiple smaller anchoring points rather than requiring single large anchors that would necessitate extensive bone removal.
2Ease of repair
If revision surgery is performed by removing original anchors and replacing with new anchors, then prosthetic component replacement is achieved, but additional bone loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The glenoid vault system incorporates universal anchoring features where the superior-inferior and anterior-posterior components can serve multiple functions across different surgical scenarios. The system allows for prosthetic component replacement during revision surgery without requiring removal of the original anchoring components, as the articulating components can be detached and replaced while the vault anchors remain in place. This multi-functional design enables both primary fixation and revision capabilities without additional bone loss.
3Reliability
If multiple anchor devices are embedded in available bone, then security of articulating surface is improved, but bone availability is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The glenoid vault system segments the anchoring function into two separate components: a superior-inferior component and an anterior-posterior component. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable fixation by distributing anchoring points across the available bone in a structured manner, rather than requiring multiple anchors in a single location. The segmented approach maximizes utilization of limited bone availability while maintaining the security of the articulating surface through coordinated action of multiple smaller anchors rather than fewer large ones.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint prosthesis system, specifically a shoulder prosthesis, for shoulder replacement, revision and repair. The implants provide fixation into the best bone available to a surgeon. The implants are used in a superior-inferior and anterior-posterior construct forming a type of cross or X-shape. The implants allow for interchangeability of the articulating component as well as rotational orientation. The systems will allow for augments to accommodate bone loss. The implants may allow for additional security using screws or anchors inserted into the scapula.