Modular Acetabular Device for Hip Distraction Osteogenesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating chronic high dislocation of the hip, such as total hip replacements, often result in complications like permanent weakness and nerve palsy due to extensive soft tissue releases and femoral shortening, necessitating a more efficient surgical technique for distraction osteogenesis.

Innovation Solution

A custom-designed 2-piece acetabular device and modular neck segment for temporary implantation during distraction procedures, facilitating easier assembly and stabilization of the femur, allowing for precise fit and secure attachment using compression screws, enabling gradual femur repositioning and eventual total hip arthroplasty.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If total hip replacement is performed to treat chronic high dislocation of the hip, then pain is alleviated and function is improved, but extensive soft tissue releases and femoral shortening cause permanent weakness and nerve palsy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical outcomeVSAvoidnerve palsy and permanent weakness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The procedure is divided into multiple phases: initial hip replacement, followed by gradual distraction osteogenesis over several weeks, and final consolidation. This segmented approach allows the femur to be slowly lengthened and repositioned without causing nerve damage or muscle weakness that would result from acute manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hip replacement is performed first to establish a stable foundation, followed by gradual distraction that slowly lengthens the femur and repositions it. This preliminary action sequence allows soft tissues to adapt progressively, avoiding the harmful effects of attempting repositioning before the hip is stabilized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If extensive soft tissue releases are performed to achieve femoral repositioning, then hip dislocation is corrected, but permanent weakness and limp result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefemoral repositioningVSAvoidmuscle strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing static, extensive soft tissue releases, the invention uses dynamic gradual distraction where the femur is slowly lengthened over time. This dynamic process allows muscles and ligaments to adapt progressively, maintaining strength while achieving repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distraction device allows controlled change in the parameter of femoral length and position over time. By adjusting the distraction rate and duration, the femur is repositioned through gradual parameter changes rather than acute manipulation, preserving muscle function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If acute femoral shortening is performed to treat hip dislocation, then repositioning is achieved, but nerve palsy occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning speedVSAvoidperoneal and sciatic nerve palsy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distraction is performed periodically over several weeks rather than acutely. The device is adjusted in staged intervals, allowing nerves to adapt to gradual stretching forces, thereby avoiding the peroneal and sciatic nerve palsy that results from acute, forceful manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250000658A1Acetabular device and modular neck assembly

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 ALM ORTHO INC

AI summary

A multi-piece acetabular device and modular neck segment for temporary implantation during a distraction procedure.