Modular Elbow Prosthesis with Interchangeable Bearing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elbow prostheses lack a specific design for treating complex fractures of the distal humerus and/or proximal ulna, particularly in cases of post-traumatic injuries, where existing devices are inadequate due to compromised bone and soft tissue conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular and versatile elbow prosthesis system with interchangeable components, including ulnar and humeral components with modular stems and bearing members, allowing for customizable fitting and secure attachment to accommodate varying bone and soft tissue conditions, along with a surgical kit providing multiple sizes and fixation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-design elbow prosthesis is used, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but the device cannot accommodate varying bone and soft tissue conditions in complex trauma cases
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow prosthesis is divided into separate modular components including a humeral component, an ulnar component, and interchangeable bearing members. Each component can be independently selected and combined based on the specific patient's anatomical conditions, bone quality, and soft tissue status, allowing customization without requiring entirely different prosthesis designs for each case scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular bearing members are designed to be interchangeable across different prosthesis configurations, serving multiple functions. The same bearing member can be used with different humeral and ulnar components, and can be exchanged during surgery or revision procedures to address various clinical situations including complex fractures, bone loss, and soft tissue compromise.
2Reliability
If an unconstrained prosthesis is used, then the natural soft tissue function is preserved, but the device fails when soft tissues are compromised from disease or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates a dynamic constraint mechanism through the bearing member design that adapts to the patient's specific condition. In patients with intact soft tissues, the bearing members allow greater natural motion. In patients with compromised soft tissues or complex fractures, the bearing members provide increased mechanical constraint and stability, automatically adapting to the functional needs based on the soft tissue and bone condition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a semi-constrained prosthesis with locking axis pin is used, then stability is improved for inflammatory disease patients, but the device is not suitable for complex fractures with bone compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis separates the constraint function into the bearing member design rather than relying on a separate linkage pin mechanism. The bearing members themselves provide the necessary constraint through their geometry and articulation surfaces, eliminating the need for additional linkage pins while maintaining stability for both inflammatory disease and complex fracture patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the articulation surface for joint motion, provide mechanical constraint for stability in compromised cases, and can be exchanged to address different clinical scenarios. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate linkage mechanisms while providing universal applicability across different patient populations including those with complex fractures.
4Ease of operation
If a modular prosthesis system is used, then customization for individual patient anatomy is enabled, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is segmented into modular components including humeral component, ulnar component, and bearing members that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation enables surgeons to customize the fit and configuration during surgery by selecting specific component sizes and configurations that match the patient's anatomy and injury pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing members are designed as universal interchangeable components that work with multiple humeral and ulnar component configurations. This universality reduces the total number of unique components needed in the system while still providing extensive customization options, as the same bearing member can be used across different component combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
The elbow prosthesis includes an ulnar component that has a bearing end and a stem. The stem attached to the bearing end and extends in a distal direction from it. The elbow prosthesis also has a humeral component that includes a holder end and a stem with the stem extending in a proximal direction from the holder end. The prosthesis further includes at least one bearing member that is connected to the holder end with the bearing end being attached within the holder end to allow for rotation and articulation against the at least one bearing member. The bearing end and holder are attached to each other by a coupling mechanism that includes an opening positioned on the posterior aspect of the holder end and a mating surface on the bearing body. A method of using the elbow prosthesis and a total elbow prosthesis kit are also disclosed.