Modular Humeral Head With Continuous Eccentricity Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humeral head assemblies lack flexibility in component selection and arrangement, limiting the control over post-operative humerus and scapula position, connective tissue tension, and the ability to accommodate a wide range of patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A humeral head system with an articular body, coupler, and discrete positioning sites that allow for adjustable eccentricity and fixed rotational positions, enabling centered or eccentric coupling with humeral anchors, and providing a range of eccentricity adjustments through continuous and discrete zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed anatomical humeral head assembly is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility to accommodate different patient anatomies and control post-operative position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The humeral head assembly is divided into separate modular components: a humeral anchor, a coupler, and an articular body. These segments can be independently selected and assembled in different configurations to accommodate various patient anatomies and surgical needs, providing flexibility without requiring entirely different device designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly incorporates adjustable features including discrete positioning sites and continuous zones of eccentricity adjustment, allowing the surgeon to dynamically configure the relative position of components during the surgical process. This enables adaptation to different patient requirements while using a single standardized set of components.
2Manufacturing precision
If discrete positioning sites are provided for fixed rotational positions, then the control over post-operative humerus and scapula position is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning control is segmented into distinct features: discrete positioning sites for fixed rotational positions and continuous zones for adjustable eccentricity. This segmentation allows precise control of post-operative positioning while organizing the complexity into manageable, functionally distinct elements that can be independently understood and applied.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the coupling interface have different functional qualities: some areas provide fixed rotational positioning while other areas allow continuous adjustment. This local differentiation of functional properties enables precise positioning control without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous zone of eccentricity adjustment is added, then the range of motion and adaptability to patient needs is enhanced, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous zone of eccentricity adjustment provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the surgeon to adjust the offset between the articular body and humeral anchor along a continuous range of motion. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances versatility for different patient needs while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical implementation through the coupler and positioning site geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A humeral head assembly is provided that includes an articular body and a coupler. The articular body includes a coupling portion disposed on a side of the articular body opposite an articular surface. The coupling portion includes a continuous zone of eccentricity adjustment. The coupler portion optionally includes one or more than one discrete position site. The coupler includes a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The first portion is configured to mate with the coupling portion and the second portion is configured to mate with another member of a joint prosthesis. A coupling portion with the continuous range of eccentricity adjustment can be provided on a bone anchor and the eccentricity of another component can be selected by motion of a coupler, such as a tray for reverse humeral assemblies, along the coupling portion of the anchor.