Modular Orthopedic Implant Threaded Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable orthopaedic prostheses, such as knee replacements, face challenges in secure fixation and easy revision due to issues like wear, aseptic loosening, and osteolysis, requiring complex surgical procedures for assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic surgical instrument system comprising a first prosthetic component with a post and retainer, and a fastener with a threaded rod, allowing secure engagement and disengagement of prosthetic components using a tool, facilitating easy revision and replacement of orthopaedic implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary knee prosthesis is implanted using cementless fixation or press fit stem components, then the initial fixation is achieved, but the prosthesis may fail over time due to wear, aseptic loosening, and osteolysis requiring complex revision surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis system is divided into modular components including a stem component, a connector component, and a prosthetic component that can be independently implanted and later independently removed. The connector component acts as an intermediary that can be exchanged without removing the stem or prosthetic components, simplifying revision procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector component serves as an intermediary element between the stem component and the prosthetic component. This mediator allows for easy exchange of the prosthetic component without affecting the stem component's position in the bone, thereby simplifying revision surgery while maintaining reliable fixation.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional orthopaedic surgical instruments are used for assembly and disassembly, then the implantation procedure is completed, but the disassembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component incorporates a dynamic fastening mechanism using a fastener that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The fastener includes a head with a drive interface that accepts standard surgical tools, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly operations during surgery without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional complex mechanical assembly and disassembly processes are replaced with a simplified fastener system that uses a threaded rod and head configuration. This allows standard surgical tools to efficiently engage and disengage components, reducing surgical time and procedural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure fixation and easy revision of orthopaedic implants by allowing controlled engagement and disengagement of components, simplifying surgical procedures and addressing issues of wear and loosening.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded rod of the fastener is configured to be engaged with the threaded bore of the second prosthetic component to secure the first prosthetic component to the second prosthetic component
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic prosthesis assembly includes a first prosthetic component, a second prosthetic component, a retainer, and a fastener and allows the removal of the first prosthetic component without having to remove the second prosthetic component from an intramedullary canal of a patient's bone. The fastener is received in an aperture of the first prosthetic component and the retainer is configured to engage the aperture of the first prosthetic component such that a part of the fastener is secured within the aperture. A rod of the fastener is configured to advance along the longitudinal axis through the first prosthetic component into the second prosthetic component. The end of the rod of the fastener is threaded into a threaded bore defined in the second prosthetic component.