Pivoting Power Extension for Glenoid Fossa Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shoulder arthroplasty procedures require extensive instrumentation and complex methods to prepare the scapula for receiving a glenoid component, complicating the surgical process.

Innovation Solution

A combination reamer/drill device with a power extension/anti-rotation handle is used to simultaneously ream the glenoid fossa and form bores for pegs, simplifying the preparation by transferring torque through a pivoting connection, allowing for efficient alignment and fixation of the glenoid component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional separate reaming and drilling operations are used to prepare the glenoid fossa, then adequate preparation of the bone structure is achieved, but extensive instrumentation and complex procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglenoid fossa preparationVSAvoidinstrumentation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate reaming and drilling operations into a single integrated power extension/anti-rotation handle device. The power extension simultaneously performs reaming of the glenoid fossa and drilling for peg fixation, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing surgical complexity while maintaining preparation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power extension handle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a reaming tool and a drilling tool, and also provides anti-rotation capability. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized instruments with a single versatile device, simplifying the instrumentation required for glenoid preparation.

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate instruments are used for reaming and drilling, then specific functions are performed adequately, but the surgical time and procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction performanceVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging reaming and drilling functions into one simultaneous operation using the power extension, the surgical procedure is accelerated. The device performs both functions in one continuous motion rather than requiring sequential operations with instrument changes, reducing surgical time while maintaining reliable function performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power extension enables continuous useful action by performing reaming and drilling in an uninterrupted sequence within a single operational phase. The anti-rotation handle maintains continuous control and power transmission throughout the combined operation, eliminating idle time between separate instruments and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If traditional alignment methods are used for glenoid component placement, then positioning is achieved, but alignment accuracy and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglenoid component alignmentVSAvoidplacement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with a power-driven system that uses rotational control and anti-rotation mechanisms to achieve precise alignment. The power extension handle provides controlled rotation and positioning through mechanical advantage, improving both alignment precision and placement efficiency compared to manual alignment techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach reduces the instrumentation needed and simplifies the method for shoulder joint replacement, improving the efficiency and accuracy of glenoid component placement, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

transferring torque through a pivoting connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Torque

Implementation Method 2

transferring torque through a pivoting connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting connection: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2623050B1Instrument for use in shoulder arthroplasty
Publication Date: 2014.11.26 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC
  • EP2623050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2623050B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2623050B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An instrumentation kit for use in preparing a bone to receive a prosthetic component includes at least one first combination device (160) which has a proximal portion (162) configured to couple with a torque providing device and a distal portion (164) configured to couple with a first instrument (130). The combination device can pivot between a first position in which the proximal portion and the distal portion are (i) longitudinally aligned and (ii) configured to transfer a torque received by the proximal portion to the distal portion, and a second position in which the proximal portion and the distal position are (i) not longitudinally aligned and (ii) configured to transfer a torque received by the proximal portion to the distal portion.