Side-Mounted Augments for Modular Knee Prosthesis Revision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic knee joint systems face challenges in revision surgeries due to the inability to disconnect distal femoral articulation components from augments without removing the entire assembly, making it difficult to address bone deficiencies and maintain joint alignment.
Innovation Solution
A modular knee prosthesis system that allows for the separation of distal femoral articulation components and augments before removal, utilizing a unique connector system with angled bores and recessed cement pockets for secure attachment and easy disassembly, enabling surgeons to revise the implant without disassembling the entire assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screw or pin connection mechanisms are used to attach augments to distal femoral articulation components, then the augments can be securely attached to compensate for bone deficiencies, but the entire assembly cannot be disassembled without removing it from the bone during revision surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate segments: a connector component with external threading and a receptacle component with internal threading. This segmentation allows the connector to be detached from the receptacle independently, enabling disassembly of the augment from the distal femoral articulation component without removing the entire assembly from the bone during revision surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be extractable from the receptacle. The connector can be removed from the receptacle that is embedded in the distal femoral articulation component, allowing the augment to be disconnected and removed separately during revision procedures while leaving the distal femoral articulation component in place.
2Reliability
If augments are permanently fixed to distal femoral articulation components, then stable support is provided for bone deficiencies, but revision surgery becomes complex requiring removal of the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic reversible connection. The threaded connector can be inserted to provide stable fixation when needed, and subsequently removed when revision is required, allowing the system to adapt between stable support and easy revision states without requiring complex revision procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional connection methods are used, then simple attachment is achieved, but the ability to selectively disconnect components for revision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector-receptacle system serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment during initial implantation, enables selective disconnection for revision surgery, and allows for potential reattachment or replacement of components. This multi-functionality maintains attachment simplicity while adding the versatility of selective disconnection that conventional methods lack.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular knee prosthesis system comprises a distal femoral articulation component (10), a distal augment (60), a posterior augment (62) and a first connector (78) for securing at least one of the augments to the distal femoral articulation component through a bore (74) in the augment and an opening (57, 58, 59) in the distal femoral articulation component. The distal femoral articulation component has a distal bone-facing surface (26, 28), a posterior bone-facing surface (30, 32) and an opening. The openings into the bores of the augments are in the medial or lateral side surface of the augment. Both augments can be mounted and removed from the distal femoral articulation component from either the medial or lateral side.