Offset Glenoid Reaming Instrumentation for Adjustable Cutting Axes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current glenoid reamers are not easily adaptable for different anatomies or bone preparation changes, lacking adjustability in the axis of rotation and requiring complex assembly and disassembly, which complicates efficient implant placement.

Innovation Solution

An instrumentation set with an elongate body, drive shaft, and pivotable reamer head, featuring adjustable angled guides that allow for multiple angles of rotation and easy assembly/disassembly, ensuring precise bone preparation for various implant geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current glenoid reamers are used with a single axis of rotation, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability for different anatomies and implant geometries is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability for different anatomiesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reamer head is made dynamically adjustable through a universal joint mechanism that allows changing the axis of rotation during the surgical procedure. This enables the same reamer to adapt to different glenoid anatomies and implant geometries without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reamer is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a universal joint that allows the cutting head to operate at multiple angles and orientations. This single device can perform multiple reaming configurations for different anatomical variations and implant types, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized reamers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If current glenoid reamers are used with fixed axis of rotation, then the device is easy to operate, but the precision for various implant geometries is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision for bone preparationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The universal joint mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the reamer head orientation while maintaining operational simplicity. The surgeon can adjust the cutting axis to match the specific anatomical requirements and implant geometry, achieving precise bone preparation without compromising ease of use during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional reamers are used with multiple components, then the adaptability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability of componentsVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reamer components are merged into a more integrated design where the universal joint and cutting head form a unified assembly that is easier to handle. While maintaining interchangeability for adaptability, the overall assembly and disassembly process is simplified through better component integration and connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If current reamers are used, then the device is simple in design, but the productivity during surgical procedure is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of bone preparationVSAvoidinstrumentation set
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustability of the reamer head allows the surgeon to quickly adapt to different anatomical variations and implant requirements during the procedure without changing tools. This increases surgical efficiency and productivity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized reamers and reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 instrumentation set enables efficient, adaptable bone preparation with fewer components, faster assembly, and less bone removal, enhancing the precision and efficiency of glenoid reaming procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an angled guide configured to slide axially onto the distal end of the elongate body, the angled guide defining a bearing surface at a predetermined fixed angle relative to a centerline of the elongate body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact and bearing surface geometry: Geometry

Implementation Method 2

a reamer head pivotably coupled to the distal end of the drive shaft, the reamer head having a distal-facing cutting surface configured to cut bone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS20250275773A1Offset instrumentation for glenoid reaming
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 SMITH & NEPHEW INC
  • US20250275773A1 patent drawing
  • US20250275773A1 patent drawing
  • US20250275773A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for reaming bone can include an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner throughbore extending therebetween. An angled guide can be configured to engage the distal end of the elongate body and define a bearing surface at a predetermined angle relative to a centerline of the elongate body. A drive shaft can be configured to extend through the inner throughbore of the elongate body, the drive shaft having a distal end configured to extend beyond the distal end of the elongate body. A reamer head can be pivotably coupled to the distal end of the drive shaft, the reamer head having a distal-facing cutting surface configured to cut bone and a proximal-facing portion configured to bear against the bearing surface of the angled guide to orient the reamer head at the predetermined angle.