Modular Glenoid Prosthesis With Locking Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glenoid prosthesis designs face issues such as separation of plastic inserts from metal backings, wear at the interface, and the need for bone cement for attachment, which leads to frequent replacements and limitations in accommodating varying patient anatomy and surgical flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular glenoid prosthesis kit comprising a base with finned anchor pegs and cemented pegs, and an articulating member with locking features, allowing for customizable attachment to the scapula without bone cement, using biocompatible materials like polyethylene and metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-piece glenoid components with plastic inserts and metal backings are used, then the bearing surface can be provided, but the plastic inserts may separate from the metal backing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plastic insert and metal backing into a single integrated one-piece construction, eliminating the interface between separate components. This merging prevents separation issues while maintaining the bearing surface functionality through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating different materials (plastic and metal) into a single monolithic structure. The one-piece glenoid component incorporates both bearing surface materials and structural support materials without requiring mechanical fastening or bonding between separate pieces.
2Reliability
If one-piece glenoid components with bone cement attachment are used, then the component can be secured to the scapula, but bone cement is required for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment function from the bearing surface function by incorporating dedicated attachment pegs as separate functional elements within the one-piece structure. These pegs can be designed with different geometries (finned, threaded, smooth) to provide multiple attachment method options without compromising the integrated construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides dynamic adaptability by allowing selection among different peg configurations and attachment methods based on patient-specific anatomy and surgical requirements. The design enables transition between different attachment strategies (cemented, uncemented, hybrid) while maintaining the one-piece structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard glenoid component designs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but they do not accommodate varying patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the glenoid component into modular functional zones (bearing surface, attachment pegs, vault regions) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows standardization of manufacturing processes while enabling customization of specific features to match patient anatomy variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the one-piece glenoid to have different properties - the bearing surface area has optimized contact characteristics, the attachment peg regions have specialized geometries for bone engagement, and the vault areas have structural reinforcement. This localized optimization maintains manufacturing efficiency while accommodating anatomical variability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all different sizes and variations are included in a kit, then complete adaptability is provided, but the kit becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality through the one-piece design that integrates multiple functions into a single component. A smaller set of one-piece glenoid variants can provide the same adaptability as a large collection of two-piece components because each one-piece unit incorporates both bearing surface and attachment functions in an integrated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the bearing surface component and attachment component into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of separate parts required in the surgical kit. This combining maintains design flexibility and adaptability while significantly reducing kit size and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A kit (100) for making a glenoid prosthesis. The kit includes an articulating member (102) having an articulation side (106) and an opposing second side (108) opposing the articulating member. The opposing second side includes a locking mechanism (110). The kit further includes a plurality of bases (104), and each of the plurality of bases having an articulating -member facing side (116) and a glenoid attachment side (118). Each of the plurality of glenoid attachment sides include at least one glenoid attachment member (120) extending outwardly and sized and shaped to extend into a patient's glenoid. The glenoid attachment member of one (112) of the plurality of bases differs from the glenoid attachment member of at least one other (114) of the plurality of bases. Each of the plurality of bases includes a locking mechanism sized and shaped to lock each of the plurality of bases to the articulating member.