Patient-Specific Long Bone Prosthesis for Controlled Fragment Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder prostheses do not ensure appropriate mechanical loading of bone fragments due to variations in shape and size among patients, leading to a risk of osteonecrosis.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific prosthesis is designed with a stem part tailored to fit the medullary cavity of a fractured long bone, applying chosen mechanical stress to specific contact zones and securing epiphyseal fragments at predetermined positions, using data from CT scans and additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard shoulder prosthesis is used, then the prosthesis can be implanted quickly, but the bone fragments do not receive appropriate mechanical loading due to variations in patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
Patient-specific planning and customization of the prosthesis are performed before implantation. The prosthesis design is predetermined based on individual patient anatomy and fracture characteristics, ensuring appropriate mechanical loading is built into the implant design prior to surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis design is customized to match the specific local characteristics of each patient's anatomy and fracture pattern. Different regions of the prosthesis can be optimized for different functions, such as stem geometry matching the medullary cavity shape and contact zone positioning matching the fracture location.
2Reliability
If a patient-specific prosthesis is designed and manufactured, then appropriate mechanical loading is ensured, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
All customization and design decisions are made in advance during the planning phase. Patient-specific data is collected and analyzed before manufacturing begins, allowing the complex customization work to be performed beforehand rather than during the implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Patient-specific anatomical data from imaging studies is used to create digital models and plans that guide the manufacturing process. These digital copies of the patient's anatomy allow for precise customization without requiring complex manual measurements or adjustments during surgery.
3Reliability
If a patient-specific prosthesis is designed and manufactured, then appropriate mechanical loading is ensured, but the manufacturing time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design and planning are completed before manufacturing begins, and manufacturing can proceed using standardized processes once the design is finalized. This preliminary planning approach allows parallel processing of design and manufacturing activities, reducing overall lead time.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis design parameters are optimized based on patient-specific data, allowing customization without requiring complete redesign of the entire device. By adjusting specific parameters such as stem geometry, contact zone location, and fixation method, patient-specific needs are met while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of manufacturing a prosthesis for a fractured long bone of a patient, the method including the steps of: A) providing data representative of the fractured long bone in a patient; B) based on said data, designing the prosthesis specifically to the patient, the prosthesis including a stem part that is configured to secure fragment(s) of the fractured long bone at chosen securing position(s) that will apply chosen mechanical stress onto the bone fragments and reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the bone fragments.