Lap Joint Connector for Bone Stem Arthrodesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current prosthetic systems for knee arthrodesis and intercalary bone replacement procedures face challenges in efficiently implanting stems into intramedullary canals and connecting them without distracting the bones, which can complicate the surgical process.

Innovation Solution

The use of a connector system with complementary curved profiles and a lap joint connection, allowing for partial rotation and secure locking with a bolt, facilitates the connection of stems within the intramedullary cavities of bones, enabling minimal bone distraction and ease of assembly during surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional prosthetic systems are used for connecting stems, then the connection can be achieved, but bone distraction is required which complicates the surgical process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidbone distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate segments (first connector segment and second connector segment) that can be independently positioned and then joined together. This segmentation allows the stems to be implanted first, followed by the connection of connector segments outside the bone, eliminating the need for bone distraction during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector segments act as intermediary elements that bridge the two stems. By using these intermediary connector segments with lap joint connections, the system allows for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring distraction of the bones, thus simplifying the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex connection mechanisms are used to connect stems, then secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into two parts with complementary curved profiles that interlock through lap joint connections. This segmentation creates a secure mechanical connection while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in structure, avoiding the need for complex single-piece connector designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector segments feature complementary curved profiles at the lap joint connection surfaces. These curved geometries enable secure interlocking and partial rotation capability while maintaining structural simplicity. The curved surfaces facilitate easy alignment and connection without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10980580B2Arthrodesis/intercallary/short stem limb salvage implant

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

An implant apparatus for use in uniting a pair of bone segments, the apparatus including a first stem configured to be implanted in an intramedullary cavity of a first bone segment; a second stem configured to be implanted in an intramedullary cavity of a second bone segment; and a connector for connecting the first stem to the second stem, the connector including a first connector segment and a second connector segment, wherein the first connector segment and the second connector segment are coupled together at a lap joint connection.