Modular Elbow Prosthesis for Complex Fracture Reconstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current elbow prostheses face challenges in reconstructing fractures around the capitellum and coronoid, particularly due to difficult exposure, inconsistent fracture fragment sizes, and poor bone quality, leading to suboptimal outcomes such as nonunion, instability, and accelerated arthritis.
Innovation Solution
A modular elbow prosthesis system comprising a capitellar implant with an articulating head and stem, featuring passages and grooves for secure bone screw placement, and a coronoid implant with a triangular wedge-like shape and planar body for rotational stability, allowing for customizable geometry to match patient-specific needs and facilitating bone ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elbow prostheses are used to reconstruct fractures around the capitellum and coronoid, then the procedure can be performed, but the outcomes are suboptimal due to difficult exposure, inconsistent fracture fragment size, and poor bone quality leading to nonunion, instability, and accelerated arthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into separate modular components including a humeral component with a shaft and head, and an ulnar component with a shaft and head. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable design complexity through modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic movement between the humeral and ulnar components. This dynamic design allows the prosthesis to adapt to different fracture patterns and patient needs, improving reconstruction outcomes while the modular nature keeps the overall complexity manageable
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hinge mechanism is added to constrain elbow movement, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is integrated into the existing modular prosthesis design by combining the humeral and ulnar components through a shared hinge axis. This merging approach provides the necessary stability while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing modular architecture rather than adding entirely separate constraint mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow prosthesis includes a capitellar implant having an articulating head and a stem. The articulating head includes a first passage along a first axis, a second passage along a second axis, and a receiving groove. The stem includes a proximal end and a connecting end. The connecting end includes a curved body having a bore. The curved body selectively mates with the receiving groove such that the bore axially aligns with the first axis of the first passage in an assembled position for collectively receiving a securing member. The second axis is located between the first axis and the proximal end of the stem.