Adjustable Ligament Link for Knee Prosthesis Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee prosthesis assemblies face challenges in efficiently restoring the function of resected or removed anatomical ligaments, particularly in cases where anatomical ligaments are compromised, requiring complex and time-consuming procedures for reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic knee joint assembly that includes a femoral component, a tibial tray, and a ligament link with adjustable loops, which can be quickly and conveniently implanted by coupling the ligament link directly to the tibial tray or femoral component, allowing for easy tension adjustment and reconstruction of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ligament reconstruction methods are used, then ligament function can be restored, but surgical time and implantation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ligament link is divided into multiple segments including a first end, a second end, and intermediate portions with apertures. This segmentation allows the ligament link to be routed through multiple apertures in the femoral component and tibial tray, enabling complex ligament reconstruction paths to be achieved through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate implants and suturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ligament link is pre-configured with apertures and routing paths before implantation. The component is designed to accommodate the ligament routing in advance, allowing surgeons to simply thread the ligament through the pre-defined paths rather than creating tunnels or making complex intraoperative adjustments, significantly reducing surgical time.
2Reliability
If traditional ligament reconstruction methods are used, then ligament function can be restored, but implantation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ligament link combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the ligament replacement and the routing structure. The femoral component and tibial tray are designed with integrated apertures that guide the ligament path, merging the functions of ligament attachment, routing, and tensioning into one implantable assembly, thereby reducing the number of separate surgical steps and components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ligament link acts as an intermediary structure that simplifies the connection between the femoral component and tibial tray. Instead of requiring direct complex suturing or multiple attachment points, the ligament link with its pre-configured apertures serves as a mediator that guides and secures the ligament in the correct path, reducing implantation complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed tension ligament systems are used, then implantation is simpler, but postoperative adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ligament link incorporates adjustable loops at its ends that can be configured to different sizes and positions after implantation. This dynamic feature allows the tension and length of the ligament to be adjusted postoperatively to match the patient's specific anatomical requirements and functional needs, transforming a static implant into an adaptable system that can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable loops on the ligament link enable changes in critical parameters such as ligament length, tension, and routing configuration after implantation. Surgeons can modify these parameters intraoperatively or postoperatively to achieve the desired ligament function, providing versatility without compromising the relative simplicity of the initial implantation procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop.