Modular Glenoid Baseplate with Projection for Scapula Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bone structure of the scapula is compromised during total shoulder replacement surgery, making subsequent reverse total shoulder replacement surgeries challenging due to weakened bone structure and instability of implanted hardware.
Innovation Solution
A modular baseplate is designed for implantation into the scapula, featuring a 'snowman' shape with circular portions and a projection that secures into an aperture, allowing for both total and reverse shoulder replacement surgeries without compromising the bone structure, using bone screws for stability and a Morse taper for coupling with artificial joints or spheres.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If total shoulder replacement surgery is performed, then the damaged bone areas are replaced with artificial joints, but the overall bone structure of the scapula is weakened or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is inserted into the aperture and bone screws are inserted through the projection into the scapula before the artificial joint components are fully assembled and secured. This preliminary anchoring of the baseplate to the scapula ensures stable fixation is established prior to completing the joint replacement, preventing bone structure compromise during the surgical process
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional shoulder replacement hardware is implanted, then the joint replacement is achieved, but the hardware may loosen over time due to weakened bone structure
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into separate modular components: a baseplate with projection that anchors to the scapula, and artificial joint components that attach to the baseplate. This segmentation allows the baseplate to be securely anchored first using bone screws through the projection, creating a stable foundation that prevents hardware loosening while maintaining ease of implantation and future revision if needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If subsequent reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is needed, then the conversion is performed, but the already weakened bone structure leads to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate with projection is designed as a universal component that can be used in both total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement surgeries. The projection anchors to the scapula in the same manner regardless of the surgical type, and the artificial joint components can be configured for either procedure. This multi-functionality allows conversion between surgical types without requiring additional bone removal or causing complications from repeated bone structure compromise
Data Source
AI summary
A baseplate for implantation into a scapula includes a first circular portion, a second circular portion, and a third circular portion, wherein the first circular portion, the second circular portion, and the third circular portion define an upper surface a projection extending from the third circular portion in a direction away from an upper surface and configured to be received with an aperture created in the scapula; an aperture extending through the projection and configured to receive a bone screw such that a portion of the bone screw extends beyond an end of the projection and into the scapula, and wherein the aperture is configured to receive a projection of an artificial joint such that the artificial joint is coupled to the baseplate.