Modular Acetabular Augments With Bulbous Coupling For Bone Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

In total hip arthroplasty, securely implanting an acetabular shell into the patient's bone is challenging, especially with poor bone quality or bone loss, due to limitations in available augment options and the need for customized implants.

Innovation Solution

Modular augments that can be customized to match individual patient anatomy, allowing for adjustable size and orientation to securely attach the acetabular shell, using coupling mechanisms like bulbous tips and recesses, cam locks, and porous surfaces for bony ingrowth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional acetabular shells are used for implantation, then the procedure is straightforward, but secure implantation becomes challenging in poor bone quality or bone loss conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure implantationVSAvoidadaptability to bone conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The augment is divided into modular components that can be selectively assembled. The system includes multiple augment bodies with different geometries, coupling elements, and attachment mechanisms that can be combined to match specific patient anatomy and bone loss patterns, enabling secure implantation across varied bone conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The augment incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features including rotatable coupling elements, selectable attachment methods (screws, cement, or both), and modular assembly options that allow the implant configuration to be dynamically adapted during surgery to match the specific bone quality and anatomical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If customized implants are created to match individual patient anatomy, then precise fit is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise fit to patient anatomyVSAvoidcustomized implant complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal modular components that can be assembled in multiple configurations to address different patient anatomies and bone loss patterns. The standardized coupling mechanisms and augment bodies serve multiple functions across various implant scenarios, achieving precise anatomical matching without requiring fully customized implants for each patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system offers variation in geometric parameters of the augment components including size, shape, and orientation of coupling elements. By selecting and assembling components with different parameter values from the modular system, precise fit to individual patient anatomy is achieved while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production of discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If larger augments are used to support the acetabular shell, then stability in poor bone quality improves, but the available head size is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacetabular shell stabilityVSAvoidhead size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The augment design features nested or integrated structures where the support elements are incorporated within or alongside the main augment body. This nesting approach provides the necessary structural support and stability in poor bone quality while minimizing the external footprint, thereby preserving maximum head size within the acetabular shell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The augment provides enhanced support and stability locally at the bone-implant interface through optimized geometry and material distribution in critical regions. The bulk of the augment structure can be minimized, allowing larger head sizes while maintaining adequate stability where it is most needed for secure implantation in compromised bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides reliable and customizable attachment of acetabular shells, maximizing head size and reducing the need for cup-cage constructs, while allowing for precise fit and stability, even in challenging bone conditions.

Implementation Method 1

porous surfaces for bony ingrowth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsteoconduction: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS11806239B2Methods for attaching acetabular augments together or to acetabular shells

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 ZIMMER INC

AI summary

Systems and methods and augments for supporting an acetabular shell at a hip bone. An example system of modular augments can include first and second augments, each having a body extending from a respective first end portion to a respective second end portion. The first augment second end portion can include a first coupling element and the second augment first end portion can include a second coupling element. Together the first and second coupling elements can form a coupling mechanism to join the first and second augments together. In some examples, the coupling mechanism can include a bulbous tip portion and a recess to receive and retain the bulbous tip portion.