Polyaxial Orthopedic Augment Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic implant augments lack variability in orientation, which can lead to inadequate fixation and undesirable positioning in native bone, especially in revision surgeries where bone degeneration and loss are common.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthopedic device augments with locking mechanisms that allow for polyaxial alignment of fasteners, enabling the augment to be inserted in a wide variety of orientations while maintaining secure locking engagement with the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking mechanisms with fixed orientation requirements are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but orientational variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a fixed, static orientation requirement to a dynamic system that can adapt to multiple orientations. The polyaxial alignment capability allows the fastener and locking mechanism to engage securely regardless of the augment's rotational position, making the fixation system adaptable rather than rigid in its orientation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds an additional degree of freedom to the locking mechanism by enabling polyaxial alignment. Instead of constraining the fastener to a single axial direction, the mechanism accommodates fasteners inserted at multiple angles and orientations, effectively moving from a one-dimensional locking approach to a multi-dimensional solution.
2Reliability
If augments are designed for specific orientations, then locking engagement is optimized, but adaptability to varying bone anatomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The augment design achieves universality by enabling the same locking mechanism to function effectively across multiple orientations and anatomical configurations. The polyaxial capability allows a single augment design to serve multiple surgical scenarios and bone anatomies without requiring orientation-specific variants, making the system multi-functional and broadly adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by allowing the locking mechanism to accommodate variations in fastener insertion angle and orientation. Rather than fixing the operational parameters to a single value, the mechanism is designed to function across a range of angular parameters, enabling adaptation to different anatomical conditions while maintaining secure locking engagement.
3Manufacturing precision
If bone reaming is performed to prepare for implant placement, then implant fit is improved, but bone integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional surgical approach by allowing the implant and augment to be placed first, followed by bone reaming to achieve precise fit. This reverse sequence enables the surgeon to position the implant based on polyaxial alignment requirements before performing minimal reaming, thereby achieving good implant fit while preserving maximum bone integrity by removing less bone than in the conventional approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for providing orthopedic implant augments are provided which have fastener locking mechanisms. The augments include a surface for mating with an implant component and a surface for interfacing with a patient's bone. The fastener locking mechanisms are aligned such that the augment may be locked in a variety of orientations while maintaining close contact with both an implant and a patient's bone. The alignment of the locking mechanisms provides variability and adjustability to the augment to address a variety of bone anatomies and requirements.