Deflectable Glenosphere Handling Tool for Precise Implant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools for handling and implanting glenoid baseplates and glenospheres in shoulder arthroplasty procedures are complex and time-consuming, lacking accuracy and ease of use, which affects patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Development of specialized inserter tools with handle assemblies, deflectable tips, and retention portions for precise handling and implantation of glenoid baseplates and glenospheres, along with instruments for aligning rotationally asymmetric components to ensure accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional surgical tools are used for handling and implanting glenoid baseplates and glenospheres, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming with reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions into a single integrated inserter tool that can handle, position, and secure the glenosphere to the baseplate in one continuous operation. The tool integrates a handle assembly, deflectable tip for engagement, and retention mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate surgical instruments and reducing procedural complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter tool is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple surgical tasks: engaging the glenosphere, positioning it on the baseplate, securing it in place, and potentially adjusting its orientation. This universal tool replaces several specialized instruments, improving surgical efficiency while maintaining precise control throughout the implantation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional surgical tools are used for implanting glenoid components, then the procedure can be completed, but placement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter tool features a deflectable tip portion with specific local properties that enable precise engagement with the glenosphere. The tip can deflect to navigate the glenosphere cavity and then lock into position, providing localized precision for sphere engagement while the rest of the tool maintains structural integrity for stable positioning and secure retention during implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates mechanical feedback mechanisms through the deflectable tip that provide tactile information to the surgeon about glenosphere engagement and positioning. As the tip deflects and locks into the glenosphere cavity, it provides sensory feedback confirming proper engagement, enabling accurate placement while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive tactile cues.
3Manufacturing precision
If rotationally asymmetric baseplates are used to improve patient outcomes, then placement accuracy is improved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter tool is designed with asymmetric features that correspond to the rotationally asymmetric baseplate geometry. The tool includes orientation indicators and alignment features that match the specific rotational requirements of asymmetric baseplates, enabling precise rotational positioning while simplifying the alignment process through built-in guidance rather than requiring complex external alignment apparatus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances surgical efficiency and accuracy, reducing complexity and time in shoulder arthroplasty procedures, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The inner elongate body has a deflectable tip portion disposed at a distal end thereof. The actuator is configured to slide the inner elongate body relative to the outer elongate body to extend the deflectable tip portion from a retracted position. The deflectable tip portion is configured to be un-deflected within a cavity of a glenosphere and to apply a force to the glenosphere, e.g., a radially outward and/or a proximally oriented force.
Data Source
AI summary
A glenosphere handling tool, which can be an inserter, is provided that includes an elongate body and a retention portion. The retention portion is disposed at a distal end of the elongate body. The retention portion includes a plurality of wall segments of the elongate body separated from each other by one or more slots. The slot(s) extends proximally from the distal end of the elongate body. The retention portion also includes an enlarged periphery at the distal end of the elongate body. The enlarged periphery comprising a proximally facing edge configured to engage an inner wall surface of a glenosphere. The retention portion is configured such that when the retention portion is in a free state the proximally facing edge faces and may contact a surface of a glenosphere to retain the glenosphere. The retention portion is configured to be deflected at the distal end of the elongate body such that the enlarged periphery has a reduced profile for separating the handling tool from a glenosphere.