Modular Shoulder Prosthesis Adapter for Adjustable Radial Offset
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular shoulder prostheses require a large inventory of components to accommodate varying bio-kinematics, limiting their ability to achieve the natural range of motion of a healthy shoulder joint due to fixed geometric configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular joint prosthesis system with an adapter and head component that allows for adjustable radial and angular offsets, using a measuring instrument to determine the necessary adjustments and minimize the number of components required, featuring a slidably and rotationally coupled adapter with indicia for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular prostheses use fixed geometric configurations with multiple adapters and heads, then a range of prosthetic options is achieved, but a large inventory of components must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a slotted configuration that allows the head to be positioned at multiple angular increments (e.g., 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°) relative to the stem. This dynamic adjustability provides multiple geometric configurations using a single adapter component, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-angle adapters and reducing the overall component inventory while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides radial offset adjustment, angular inclination adjustment, and serves as a mounting interface for the head. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the system reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to conventional systems that require distinct adapters for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unitary shoulder prosthesis are used to accommodate different bone sizes and joint configurations, then various sized prostheses can be selected, but each design represents a compromise that cannot achieve all natural range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into modular components (stem, adapter, and head) that can be independently selected and combined. The adapter acts as an intermediate component that allows independent adjustment of radial offset and angular inclination, enabling customization of the head position to match the patient's natural shoulder bio-kinematics without compromising range of motion, unlike fixed unitary designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular prostheses use multiple redundant components to achieve desired geometric configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines multiple adjustment capabilities (radial offset and angular inclination) into a single integrated component. The slotted configuration allows both types of adjustment to be made through one adapter rather than requiring separate adapters for each adjustment type, thereby reducing component complexity while maintaining geometric versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis measuring device having an adjustable radial offset provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. Specifically, the interface configuration between the stem and the adapter, as well as between the adapter and the head are designed such that relative positioning of these components provides a continuous adjustment in the radial offset. Indicia are provided to precisely determine the magnitude and direction of the adjustment being made.