Inset Glenoid Shoulder Prosthesis With Fixation-Preserving Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder prostheses face challenges in converting from anatomic to reverse configurations without disrupting the fixation components, particularly in patients with limited bone structure due to arthritis, leading to instability, pain, and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an annular fixation ring and snap ring mechanism that allows for reversible attachment of anatomic and reverse shoulder implants, enabling conversion without removing the fixation components from the glenoid fossa, ensuring stable fixation and minimal disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-system prostheses with separate metallic fixation component and polyethylene articular component are used, then the articular surface can be replaced, but the fixation components must be removed and reattached, disrupting stability and increasing surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into three independent components: a fixation component with bone anchors, a reversible intermediate component with snap ring, and an articular component. This segmentation allows the articular surface to be swapped while keeping the fixation component in place, eliminating the need to remove and reattach fixation components during conversion surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate component with a snap ring mechanism serves as a mediator between the fixation component and the articular component. This intermediary allows for easy attachment and detachment of the articular component without affecting the fixation component, enabling reversible conversion between anatomic and reverse configurations while maintaining fixation stability.
2Reliability
If the glenoid fossa is fully utilized for fixation, then stable fixation is achieved, but there is little packaging space for attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is nested within a groove in the fixation component, and the articular component is nested over the snap ring. This nested arrangement allows the attachment mechanism to be housed within the existing fixation component structure, providing space for the mechanism without increasing the overall footprint or compromising fixation stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the PE component is made thin to avoid overstuffing the joint, then soft tissue tension is reduced, but the PE becomes too thin to be sufficiently strong
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is segmented into a fixation component, an intermediate component with snap ring, and an articular component. This segmentation allows the articular component to be optimized for strength while the fixation component handles the mechanical load and soft tissue tension, enabling the articular component to be thinner without compromising overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.