Modular Prosthesis Interlocking Augments Minimize Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular implant designs for artificial joint prostheses face challenges such as material debris generation due to relative motion at component interfaces and inadequate fit to varying patient anatomy, which can affect the stability and longevity of the implant.
Innovation Solution
The modular joint prosthesis system incorporates interlocking features between components with a bolt for compression, allowing for customizable configurations using augment blocks with mirrored features, enabling direct contact and minimizing relative motion, and includes a modular stem with optional augment blocks for anatomical adaptation, allowing for independent sizing of tibial tray and stem portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used to accommodate varying patient anatomy, then adaptability is improved, but material debris generation increases due to relative motion at interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into modular components (tray, stem, augments) that can be independently selected and combined to match varying patient anatomies. This segmentation allows customization while maintaining controlled interfaces with interlocking features to minimize debris generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Augment blocks are stacked and nested together with interlocking features that fit within each other's geometric profiles. The augments nest between the tray and stem, creating a hierarchical assembly that adapts to anatomy while maintaining tight fits at all interfaces.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If modular components with interlocking features are used, then material debris is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the prosthesis into standardized modular components with consistent interlocking interface geometries. While the overall device is modular and adaptable, the standardized interface design keeps individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features are designed as universal interfaces that work across all tray, stem, and augment combinations. This multi-functionality allows the same interface design to serve multiple purposes (mechanical interlocking, alignment, load transfer) across different component sizes and configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If augment blocks are stacked to recreate bone anatomy, then adaptability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone replacement function is segmented into multiple stackable augment blocks that can be individually selected and combined. This allows precise anatomical reconstruction while using a limited set of standardized block sizes and geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple augment blocks are nested in a stacked configuration between the tray and stem. This nested arrangement allows several components to occupy a compact vertical space, recreating complex bone anatomy without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular prosthesis components having first and second relief patterns, the first relief pattern being complementary to the second relief pattern such that a component having the first relief pattern may seat fully on and in register with a component having the second relief pattern.