Modular Joint Spacer with Adjustable Stems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacer devices for joints lack adaptability and stability, particularly in providing a secure articulation and accommodating varying anatomical needs during the temporary replacement of infected or damaged prostheses, which can lead to tissue atrophy and infection treatment challenges.
Innovation Solution
A spacer device with modular components, including stems that can be adjusted in length and filled with pharmaceutical substances, designed to articulate securely with bones and accommodate different anatomical dimensions, allowing for stable joint function and controlled drug release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If preformed spacers with predetermined sizes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to patient-specific anatomical dimensions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device is divided into multiple modular components (first component, second component, and stem) that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the surgeon to select and combine components of different sizes and configurations to match the patient's specific anatomical dimensions, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer device is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions and be configured for different anatomical sites. The modular components are designed with standardized interfaces and configurations that allow them to be adapted to various patient-specific dimensions, enabling a single product line to serve multiple anatomical requirements.
2Device complexity
If a spacer device without stems is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and secure articulation to bone are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is designed with adjustable inclination capabilities, allowing it to be dynamically positioned at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the spacer device. This dynamic adjustability enables optimal alignment with the patient's bone anatomy, enhancing stability and secure articulation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through a single adjustable stem component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Temporary spacer device (10), for a joint of the human body such as for example a knee joint, comprising a first component or femoral component (12), adapted to be constrained, in use, to a bone or to the femoral bone of a patient, at the joint of the human body such as for example a knee joint, a second component or tibial component (14), adapted to be constrained, in use, to a bone or tibial bone of a patient, at the joint of the human body such as for example a knee joint, and at least one stem (22, 24) provided with a proximal end (25), wherein the first component or femoral component (12) and/or the second component or tibial component (14) comprise at least one housing seat (23, 27) for the proximal end (25) of the at least one stem (22, 24), adapted to allow the inclination and/or rotation of the at least a stem (22, 24) with respect to an insertion axis (X) of the proximal end (25) into the at least one housing seat (23, 27).