Joint Endoprosthesis Locking Mechanism for Reversible Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for immobilizing joints, especially in cases of inflammation or after artificial joint implantation, often require multiple invasive interventions and restrict patient mobility, leading to tissue stress and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A joint configuration for a hinge joint endoprosthesis with a joint receptacle and body locking structure that allows for minimally invasive locking and unlocking, preventing joint rotation and reducing tissue irritation, using a locking element that can be inserted or removed as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an arthrodesis nail is implanted to immobilize the joint, then joint immobilization is achieved, but the patient requires multiple invasive interventions and experiences tissue stress
Solution Approach 1:
The joint endoprosthesis incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that can be switched between locked and unlocked states. The locking element can be inserted or removed to change the state of the joint from mobile to immobilized, allowing the same device to serve multiple functions at different times, thereby avoiding the need for multiple different devices or interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The joint endoprosthesis is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mobile joint replacement and as an immobilizing device when needed. The body locking structure and receptacle locking structure enable the same prosthesis to provide either mobility or immobilization depending on the presence of the locking element, consolidating multiple functions into a single device
2Reliability
If an arthrodesis nail is used to treat inflammation, then joint immobilization is achieved, but the nail must be removed in a further intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be reversible and adjustable. The locking element can be easily inserted to provide immobilization during the inflammation healing period, and subsequently removed or disengaged to restore joint mobility, all without requiring removal of the entire prosthesis or additional major interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The joint endoprosthesis is pre-equipped with the locking structures (body locking structure and receptacle locking structure) that enable future immobilization if needed. The design anticipates potential future needs for immobilization and provides the capability in advance, eliminating the need for additional interventions to implement immobilization later
3Reliability
If the joint is immobilized to facilitate healing, then tissue recovery is improved, but patient mobility is excessively restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The joint prosthesis provides dynamic control over mobility. During the healing phase, the locking element is engaged to immobilize the joint and facilitate tissue recovery. Once healing is complete, the locking element can be disengaged or removed, immediately restoring full joint mobility without requiring additional surgical interventions or prolonged immobilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the mobility parameter of the joint from mobile to immobilized and back again. By adjusting the state of the locking mechanism, the joint can be immobilized when healing is needed and made mobile when healing is complete, providing flexible control over the mobility parameter to optimize both healing and patient quality of life
Data Source
AI summary
A joint configuration is proposed for a joint endoprosthesis forming a hinge joint, comprising a joint receptacle, which has a joint receptacle surface and a receptacle locking structure, and a joint body, which is receivable in the joint receptacle and has a joint body surface and a body locking structure. The joint receptacle surface and the joint body surface are movable in relation to one another into a position in which the receptacle locking structure and the body locking structure assume a locked position, in which they can be engaged for a locked state between the joint receptacle and the joint body.