Orthopedic Connector Assembly With Quasi-Spherical Adjustable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in human anatomy, particularly in the proximal humerus, poses challenges for effective anatomical reconstruction with prosthetic devices, necessitating a modular system that can accommodate variations in head height, diameter, inclination, and offset to the humeral canal.
Innovation Solution
A connecting assembly is provided with a first orthopedic component featuring a bore and a quasi-spherical member with a textured outer surface that allows for removable locking, enabling adjustable connections between orthopedic components, such as a humeral head and stem, through a variety of angular positions to accommodate anatomical variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with multiple implant configurations is used to accommodate anatomical variability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into modular components including a humeral stem, a connector, and a humeral head that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows customization for different anatomies while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and a limited set of configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector component serves multiple functions: it connects the stem to the head, provides angular adjustment capability, and allows for secure locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Reliability
If a quasi-spherical member with textured outer surface is used for removable locking, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features a quasi-spherical geometry that simplifies the locking mechanism by utilizing spherical contact surfaces. This curved geometry naturally distributes contact stresses and simplifies the locking action compared to flat or complex angular surfaces, while the textured outer surface is applied to this simplified base geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The textured outer surface on the quasi-spherical member provides enhanced friction and grip for secure locking. The texture parameters (pattern, depth, distribution) are optimized to maximize connection stability while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, or additive manufacturing.
3Productivity
If rapid and accurate adjustability is enabled in humeral reconstruction, then surgical efficiency is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with a quasi-spherical geometry and textured surface that enable immediate engagement and locking upon insertion. This preliminary design allows surgeons to achieve secure connections rapidly without requiring complex adjustment procedures or multiple steps that could compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The textured outer surface of the quasi-spherical member automatically provides enhanced friction and grip when engaged with the corresponding receptacle. This self-gripping feature ensures reliable locking occurs naturally during the insertion process itself, without requiring additional locking actions or procedures, thereby maintaining both speed and reliability.
Data Source
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.