Orthopaedic Implant Taper Locking for Torsional Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopaedic implant systems face challenges in securely fixing components together and promoting healing in cases of severe bone loss due to fractures or tumors, particularly in joints like the shoulder, where traditional methods fail to provide adequate torsional stability and healing support.
Innovation Solution
The implant system employs a taper locking mechanism and flexible constructs to secure components, including a stem, mounting, and head portions, with flanges abutting the bone to enhance stability and healing, utilizing a modular prosthesis with a taper locking mechanism and flexible constructs like sutures to apply compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixation methods are used to secure implant components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of component fixation and torsional stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is divided into multiple functional elements: a taper mechanism for primary alignment and compression, a flange for secondary stabilization and bone apposition, and optional flexible constructs for additional securing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing high reliability fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is positioned within or adjacent to the taper mechanism, creating a nested configuration where the flange provides additional stabilization without significantly increasing the overall device footprint. This nested arrangement allows multiple fixation functions to be integrated in a compact manner.
2Stability of the object's composition
If flanges are added to abut the bone for enhanced stability, then the torsional stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides torsional stability through bone abutment, maintains proper component alignment, distributes loads across a larger bone surface area, and facilitates soft tissue attachment. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced stability without requiring multiple separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible constructs are used to secure flanges, then the adaptability to bone geometry improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible construct allows for adjustment of geometric parameters such as flange position, orientation, and distance from the bone surface. This adjustability enables adaptation to varying bone geometries and patient-specific anatomical variations, improving the overall fit and functionality of the implant system.
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
The system effectively secures implant components, enhances joint functionality, and promotes healing by providing torsional stability and compressive forces, especially in severe bone loss scenarios, such as fractures or tumors, improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The raised protrusion may be insertable through the opening and into the recess such that the declined face and the inclined face may abut each other in an installed position. The first mounting bore may extend along a first mounting bore axis in a direction away from the raised protrusion such that the inclined face may move towards the first mounting bore axis to compress the inclined face against the declined face in response to securing a common fastener in the head bore and the first mounting bore.
Implementation Method 2
The flange portion may be moveable in a direction towards the collar portion to trap a portion of bone between the at least one engagement flange and the stem portion in response to fixing a length of a flexible construct that may couple the collar portion and the flange portion in an installed position.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to orthopaedic implant systems and methods for restoring functionality to a bone and/or joint. The implant systems disclosed herein may include a taper locking mechanism to limit or otherwise oppose separation between components and may include one or more flanges adapted to abut an exterior of the bone.