Orthopedic Connector Assembly With Quasi-Spherical Adjustment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implant systems lack the ability to effectively accommodate anatomical variability, particularly in the replacement of the proximal humerus, necessitating a modular system that can adjust to variations in head height, diameter, inclination, and offset to the humeral canal.
Innovation Solution
A connecting assembly featuring a first orthopedic component with a female tapered bore and a second orthopedic component with a quasi-spherical member having a textured outer surface, allowing for removable locking and adjustable angular positioning to accommodate anatomical variations, including a humeral head member with a convex articulating surface and a fixation member anchored to the humerus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with adjustable components is implemented, then adaptability to anatomical variability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into modular components: a humeral stem component, a humeral head component, and a connector component with quasi-spherical member. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, providing adaptability to various anatomical configurations while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector component features a quasi-spherical member with a textured outer surface that can be selectively positioned and locked at multiple angular orientations within the humeral head component. This dynamic adjustability enables precise customization to match patient-specific anatomy, while the locking mechanism maintains stability once positioned.
2Reliability
If a textured outer surface on the quasi-spherical member is used, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The textured outer surface is applied specifically to the quasi-spherical member of the connector component, concentrating the enhanced grip and connection reliability features where they are most needed for the articulating connection, while other components maintain simpler surfaces that are easier and more cost-effective to manufacture with high precision.
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
Enables rapid and accurate adjustability of orthopedic components, providing secure connections that resist back-out and accommodate anatomical variability, facilitating precise surgical alignment and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The textured outer surface contacts walls of the bore in a manner that removeably locks or helps to removeably lock the quasi-spherical member to the first orthopedic component
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
The disclosure includes methods and systems for making orthopedic connections where there is unique adjustability to the connection. Illustratively, one embodiment provides a connecting assembly for connecting a plurality of orthopedic components. Such connecting assemblies can include a first orthopedic component that provides a female bore. Additionally the assembly can include a second orthopedic component that can be or include a male-type connecting member that is positionable in the bore of the first orthopedic component. In one preferred form, the male-type connecting member will be a quasi-spherical member. The quasi-spherical member can include a textured outer surface, e.g., for contacting one or more walls or surfaces in the bore in a fashion that removeably locks or helps to removeably lock or fix the quasi-spherical member in the bore.