Modular Elbow Prosthesis Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elbow prostheses lack modularity and secure locking mechanisms, making them less adaptable to varying patient anatomies and requiring multiple surgeries for adjustments, which complicates procedures and reduces long-term stability.
Innovation Solution
A modular elbow prosthesis design featuring a humeral component with a locking system that includes a ball lock retention system or sliding dovetail connection, allowing for easy interchange and secure attachment of the humeral head onto the stem, enabling patient-specific solutions and reducing the need for multiple surgical interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional non-modular elbow prosthesis design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to varying patient anatomies is reduced and multiple surgeries are required for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow prosthesis is divided into separate modular components including a humeral component with head and stem, and an ulnar component with head and stem. These segments can be independently selected and assembled to match different patient anatomies, providing customization without requiring complete prosthesis replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal components that can be combined in different configurations. The humeral and ulnar components with standardized interfaces can be assembled to accommodate various patient anatomical requirements, making a single prosthesis system serve multiple surgical scenarios.
2Reliability
If a traditional elbow prosthesis without secure locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the long-term stability and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be activated during the surgical assembly process. The humeral head is positioned on the stem, and the locking feature is engaged in advance before implantation, ensuring stability is established during the critical initial phase and maintained long-term.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking feature acts as an intermediary element between the humeral head and stem components. This intermediate locking structure secures the assembly together, transferring and maintaining the stability required for long-term functional reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgeries are performed for adjustments, then the adaptability to patient needs is improved, but the loss of time and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis segments allow for selective replacement of individual components (head or stem) rather than requiring complete prosthesis removal and replacement. This modular approach reduces the time and complexity of adjustment surgeries while maintaining full adaptability to changing patient needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular elbow prosthesis including an ulnar component and a humeral component. The ulnar component includes an ulnar head and an ulnar stem. The humeral component includes a humeral head and a humeral stem. The humeral component also includes a locking system for securing the humeral head onto the humeral stem.