Modular Trial Radial Head Implant with Interchangeable Augments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining the proper height of a final radial head implant in radial head replacement procedures lack a simple and effective means to evaluate different humeral head heights, leading to inefficiencies in selecting the appropriate implant size.
Innovation Solution
A trial orthopedic implant system comprising a radial implant component with a cylindrical head and slot, and a set of head augments with varying heights, where each augment has a tab that slidably connects into the slot of the head component, allowing for easy adjustment and confirmation of the desired implant height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trial systems are used to evaluate implant fit, then the surgeon can assess basic size compatibility, but the system does not provide an effective means for trying different humeral head heights
Solution Approach 1:
The trial radial head implant is divided into separate modular components: a trial stem component and interchangeable head components with different heights. This segmentation allows the surgeon to try different head heights by simply swapping components rather than using completely different trial assemblies, thereby improving versatility while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trial stem component serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple head components with different heights. This multi-functional design allows a single stem to be used for evaluating various implant configurations, enhancing the adaptability of the trial system without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trial assemblies are used to evaluate different heights, then height selection capability is improved, but the time and complexity of the trial process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple head components with different heights are pre-manufactured with standardized interfaces that match the trial stem. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to quickly swap between pre-configured head components during surgery without requiring complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing the time lost during the trial process while maintaining the ability to evaluate multiple heights.
3Measurement precision
If a modular trial system with interchangeable components is implemented, then the ability to confirm final implant height is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components feature standardized local interfaces (connection geometries, locking mechanisms) that ensure precise and consistent alignment between the stem and head components. By concentrating design complexity only at these critical local interface points rather than throughout the entire assembly, the system achieves precise height selection while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A trial orthopedic implant having a plurality of bearing component augments of differing heights, where each augment releasably, slidably connected to the trial implant.