Modular Reverse Shoulder Implant with Separable Fracture Epiphysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reverse shoulder orthopaedic implants face challenges in addressing severe joint instability and pain, particularly in cases of proximal humeral fractures, where traditional implants may not effectively restore mechanical function and stability.

Innovation Solution

A modular reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant system featuring a separable fracture epiphysis component with suture collars and a locking screw mechanism, allowing for secure attachment to the humeral stem and articulation with a glenosphere component, along with a method for surgically repairing proximal humeral fractures by tensioning and securing sutures through the rotator cuff to stabilize the humeral components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional non-modular reverse shoulder implant is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to address severe joint instability and proximal humeral fractures is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant is divided into separate modular components: a humeral stem component, a fracture epiphysis component with cup-shaped body, and a glenosphere component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions (fracture repair, joint stability, articulation) while maintaining overall system reliability and enabling selective use based on patient needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular system with separable components is used, then the adaptability for different fracture patterns is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture pattern accommodationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fracture epiphysis component is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a fracture fixation device and a bearing surface component. The cup-shaped body can articulate with the glenosphere while also providing attachment points for soft tissue, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions and reducing the need for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the fracture fixation function and the joint articulation function into a single integrated epiphysis component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining adaptability for different fracture patterns, as the component can accommodate various soft tissue attachments and fracture configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If suture collars are added to the epiphysis component, then the soft tissue attachment capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoft tissue stabilizationVSAvoidcomponent fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire epiphysis component complex, suture collars are added only at specific locations where soft tissue attachment is needed. This local addition of functionality allows the majority of the component to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while providing enhanced soft tissue stabilization where required by the clinical situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11771560B2Modular reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant and method of implanting the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

A modular reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant includes a humeral stem component and a separable fracture epiphysis component having a number of suture holes formed therein. The fracture epiphysis component is configured to receive a number of sutures for surgically repairing a proximal humeral fracture.