Anatomical Prosthetic Implant with Elliptical Bearing and Serrated Stem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic joint implants in the foot or hand tend to suffer from bone overgrowth, shifting, and malalignment over time, leading to reduced functionality and the need for costly additional surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece anatomically-shaped prosthetic implant system with an elliptical bearing surface and a serrated stem that anchors within the bone, along with a specialized tool for precise bone resection and implantation, ensuring stable fit and long-term viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal prosthetic implants are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but bone overgrowth occurs over time causing reduced functionality and requiring additional surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into distinct functional zones: a flange portion that interfaces with bone tissue, a stem portion for anchoring, and a bearing surface for joint articulation. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific biological and mechanical challenges independently, preventing bone overgrowth at the interface while maintaining joint function
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the implant have specialized properties tailored to their function: the flange features a specific geometry and surface characteristics to prevent bone overgrowth, the stem has anchoring features for stability, and the bearing surface is optimized for joint articulation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by addressing bone overgrowth specifically at the bone-implant interface without compromising overall implant viability
2Reliability
If traditional prosthetic components are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but components become loose over time (subluxation) causing malalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and stem are merged into a single monolithic structure that interfaces with bone in a coordinated manner. This integration ensures that the anchoring stem and the positioning flange work together as one unit, preventing subluxation and maintaining proper alignment over time without the components becoming loose independently
3Manufacturing precision
If bone resection is performed to prepare for implantation, then implant fit is achieved, but precise orientation is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The flange geometry is designed in advance with specific angular relationships and surface orientations that guide the bone resection process. The pre-configured flange structure serves as a template that dictates the required bone preparation orientation, allowing surgeons to achieve precise implant fit without requiring extremely precise bone resection measurements
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 solution significantly reduces post-implant shifting, maintains proper orientation, and prevents bone overgrowth, thereby extending the implant's lifespan and improving joint function while minimizing the need for future surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The stem includes a plurality of serrations along the edge of the stem for anchoring the stem within a prepared bone
Data Source
AI summary
A joint resurfacing prosthetic implant system is disclosed having an anatomically-shaped implant to replace a joint at a pedal digit or finger, including a head having an elliptical bearing surface disposed for engaging the end of an adjacent bone and a seating surface opposite the bearing surface, an elongated stem extending distally from the seating surface, and a flange on the circumference of the device and extending distally from the seating surface. The flange includes one or more portals and a removed section configured to avoid impinging upon a tendon during and after implantation of the prosthetic. A specialized tool is also provided to facilitate the resection of the bone for implantation. The specialized tool includes an elliptical template having a cutting edge and a center insert that is sized and configured to match a reamer used to bore into the bone for insertion of the implant.