Modular Elbow Prosthesis for Complex Fracture Fixation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current elbow prostheses lack a design specifically indicated 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 comprising ulnar and humeral components with modular stems and interchangeable bearing members, allowing for customizable sizing and fixation to accommodate various bone and soft tissue conditions, along with a surgical kit providing multiple component sizes and fixation tools for secure implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing elbow prosthesis designs (semi-constrained or unconstrained) are used, then the prosthetic joint can be implanted in patients with strong soft tissues or osteoarthritis, but the device cannot effectively treat complex fractures of the distal humerus and/or proximal ulna where bone is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindication range for treatmentVSAvoidfixation stability in compromised bone

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into separate modular components including a humeral component with proximal and distal portions, an ulnar component with proximal and distal portions, and intermediate components. This segmentation allows each component to be independently sized and configured to accommodate complex fractures and compromised bone structures while maintaining overall structural integrity and fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular prosthesis system is designed to serve multiple functions and patient populations. The same basic design can be adapted for use in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, complex fractures, and compromised bone, making it a universal solution that expands the indication range while maintaining reliability through appropriate component selection and configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular prosthesis system with multiple component sizes and configurations is implemented, then the device can accommodate various bone and soft tissue conditions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability for various conditionsVSAvoidnumber of modular components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into separate modular components including a humeral component with proximal and distal portions, an ulnar component with proximal and distal portions, and intermediate components. This segmentation allows each component to be independently sized and configured to accommodate complex fractures and compromised bone structures while maintaining overall structural integrity and fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Certain components are designed to be combined or integrated with each other to simplify the overall system. The modular design allows for selective combination of components based on patient-specific needs, reducing the effective complexity during implantation while maintaining the versatility of the complete system for future revisions or different clinical scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If semi-constrained prosthesis with linkage pin is used, then the prosthetic joint can be held together mechanically in patients with weaker soft tissue, but the design does not address cases where humerus or ulna bones are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical containment of jointVSAvoidapplicability to bone compromise cases

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into separate modular components including a humeral component with proximal and distal portions, an ulnar component with proximal and distal portions, and intermediate components. This segmentation allows each component to be independently sized and configured to accommodate complex fractures and compromised bone structures while maintaining overall structural integrity and fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the prosthesis are designed with different mechanical properties and fixation methods appropriate for their specific function. The humeral and ulnar components have distinct geometries, material properties, and fixation strategies tailored to the local bone quality and soft tissue conditions, allowing the device to provide mechanical containment while adapting to compromised bone structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10278824B1Elbow prosthesis and method for use

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 ACUMED

AI summary

The elbow prosthesis includes an ulnar component that has a bearing end and a stem. The stem is 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 end 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.