Modular Humeral Head Eccentricity Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for greater flexibility in the placement of a humeral head relative to a humeral anchor for a shoulder joint, allowing for an articular surface to be centered or eccentric, and providing a range of eccentricity to accommodate various patient needs.

Innovation Solution

A humeral head assembly with an articular body and a coupler, where the articular body includes a convex articular surface and a coupling portion with a continuous zone of eccentricity adjustment and discrete position sites, allowing for adjustable eccentricity and secure positioning relative to the humeral anchor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-position humeral head assembly is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different patient anatomies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient anatomiesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The humeral head assembly is divided into separable components: a humeral head portion and a coupler. This segmentation allows the components to be assembled in different configurations (centered or eccentric) to accommodate various patient anatomies while maintaining a relatively simple individual component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The coupler can be positioned at multiple locations around the humeral head portion's circumference, enabling the assembly to adapt its eccentricity based on patient-specific anatomical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a centered humeral head assembly is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the flexibility in placement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in placementVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The humeral head assembly is designed as a universal system that can function in multiple configurations. The same basic components (humeral head portion and coupler) can be assembled to create either a centered or eccentric configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized implants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The key parameter that changes is the position of the coupler relative to the humeral head portion. By varying this positional parameter (from centered to eccentric positions), the assembly adapts to different placement requirements without changing the fundamental component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable eccentricity mechanism is added, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of eccentricityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning options. The coupler can be positioned at specific locations around the humeral head portion, providing adjustable eccentricity through a series of discrete positions rather than continuous adjustment, which simplifies the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250114208A1Modular humeral head and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

Provided is an improved humeral head assembly for a shoulder prosthesis.