Glenosphere Augmented Fixation Channels Bone Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shoulder replacement surgeries face effectiveness issues due to glenoid bone loss and deterioration, which can be exacerbated by forces applied to the shoulder bone by the prosthesis, reducing the longevity and efficacy of the joint replacement.

Innovation Solution

A glenosphere design with a body, first and second surfaces, a cavity, and a plurality of channels that extend from the first surface to the second surface, allowing for the receipt of a plate and glenosphere fixation members to secure the glenosphere to the shoulder bone, thereby augmenting fixation and mitigating bone loss by positioning fixation members outside the interference space defined by plate fixation members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a base plate and bone graft are used to join the glenosphere to the scapula, then the initial fixation is facilitated, but glenoid bone loss and deterioration occur over time, reducing the longevity of the prosthesis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fixationVSAvoidlongevity of prosthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is segmented into multiple independent channels distributed across the glenosphere body, allowing separate fixation pathways that can be independently positioned to avoid bone loss areas while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Fixation channels are oriented in multiple spatial dimensions and angles relative to the glenosphere surface, enabling fixation members to engage bone in three-dimensional space and distribute forces across different orientations rather than a single plane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If fixation members are positioned to secure the glenosphere to the bone, then stable fixation is achieved, but forces applied to the shoulder bone cause bone loss and deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidbone loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the glenosphere surface are utilized for fixation, with channels positioned in areas of healthy bone rather than deteriorated regions, allowing localized optimization of fixation quality while avoiding harmful stress concentrations in compromised areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The glenosphere and base plate are designed with pre-configured channel locations and orientations that anticipate future bone loss patterns, positioning fixation members in advance to engage only healthy bone tissue while avoiding areas prone to deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fixation channels are created in the glenosphere, then fixation stability is improved, but the complexity of the glenosphere structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidglenosphere structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glenosphere body is designed with a universal pattern of channels that can accommodate multiple fixation members while serving the single primary function of securing the glenosphere to the scapula, allowing the same structural feature to provide both structural integrity and multi-point fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9795490B1Glenosphere with augmented fixation and related methods

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 ENCORE MEDICAL L P (D B A DJO SURGICAL)

AI summary

A glenosphere includes a body, a first surface, a second surface, a cavity defined within the body, and a plurality of channels. The body defines a central axis passing through the body. The first surface includes a first rim and a second rim. The first rim is positioned radially outward from the second rim relative to the central axis. The second surface extends from the first rim of the first surface. The second surface has a convex shape. The cavity has a perimeter defined by the second rim and is configured to receive an attachment structure attachable to a bone. The plurality of channels extend from the first surface through the body to the second surface. Each channel defines a first opening positioned on the first surface between the first rim and the second rim and defines a second opening positioned on the second surface. Each channel is configured to receive a bone fixation member configured to secure the glenosphere to the bone.