Modular Tibial Tray With Interchangeable Fixation Pegs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total ankle replacement technologies lack flexibility and stability options for surgeons during implantation, particularly in securing the tibial tray component to the tibia, which can lead to suboptimal fixation and potential implant instability post-surgery.
Innovation Solution
A modular tibial tray system with interchangeable pegs, screws, and stems, along with additional features like tapered locking pegs and porous metallic coatings, allows for customizable fixation options and enhanced stability through variable angulation and bone ingrowth, enabling secure anchoring to the tibia and talus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed single-component tibial tray is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and fixation options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tibial tray is divided into multiple components: a base tray and interchangeable fixation elements (pegs, screws, stems). This segmentation allows surgeons to select and combine different fixation options based on patient-specific anatomy and surgical needs, thereby improving adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tray is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of fixation elements. This multi-functionality enables a single base tray to work with various pegs, screws, and stems, providing diverse fixation options without requiring multiple specialized trays, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
2Strength
If standard pegs with uniform diameter are used, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the stability and bone ingrowth potential are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pegs transition from a uniform diameter to a continuously tapered geometry, changing the dimensional parameter along the length of the peg. This tapering increases surface area contact with the bone, improves mechanical interlocking, and enhances stability. While manufacturing becomes slightly more complex, modern machining capabilities can achieve the required precision, and the clinical benefits justify the increased manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a non-modular tibial tray is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to customize fixation for different patients is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base tray is prepared in advance with pre-configured interfaces and attachment mechanisms for various fixation elements. This preliminary preparation allows surgeons to quickly exchange fixation components during surgery without complex assembly procedures, maintaining ease of operation while enabling customization based on intraoperative findings.
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
The modular system provides surgeons with flexible fixation options, enhancing the stability and longevity of the tibial tray implant by allowing precise angulation and bone integration, thereby improving the success rate of total ankle replacement surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The body portion is continuously tapered over the length starting near the head
Implementation Method 2
The orthopedic peg comprises a head comprising a locking threaded surface, and a body portion extending from the head
Implementation Method 3
The orthopedic peg comprises a head comprising a locking threaded surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tibial tray component in an ankle replacement prosthetic system that comprises modular fixation elements that provide surgeons with variety of interchangeable fixation options. Also provided is a tapered peg that provides enhanced bone plate fixation.