Reverse Shoulder Baseplate Alignment Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse shoulder arthroplasty systems face alignment challenges due to potential separation of the glenosphere and baseplate over time, leading to misalignment, especially in procedures with limited access and visibility.
Innovation Solution
An implant assembly comprising a baseplate, glenosphere, and central screw, where the central screw's head portion extends outward to guide the engagement between the baseplate and glenosphere, ensuring coaxial alignment through a slip-fit mechanism, enhancing tactile feel and axial alignment during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the glenosphere is engaged to the baseplate via threaded or taper connection, then the connection is secure, but the glenosphere and baseplate may separate over time causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide is engaged to the baseplate before the glenosphere is engaged, establishing a pre-positioned alignment reference. This preliminary action ensures that when the glenosphere is subsequently engaged, it automatically assumes the correct alignment, preventing misalignment while maintaining connection stability through the guide's预先 established position.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide acts as an intermediary component between the baseplate and glenosphere. It provides a mechanical reference structure that mediates the engagement process, ensuring proper alignment is achieved and maintained while the glenosphere and baseplate are being connected, thus preventing separation and misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If minimal access is provided during RSA procedure, then surgical precision can be maintained, but visibility and alignment capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide serves as a tactile intermediary that extends into the glenoid cavity, providing the surgeon with a physical reference structure that can be manipulated and felt through minimal access. This intermediary structure bridges the gap between limited visibility and the need for precise alignment, allowing the surgeon to guide the glenosphere into correct positioning through tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide is designed to be self-aligning through its geometric features and engagement mechanism. Once engaged to the baseplate, it automatically establishes the correct alignment orientation without requiring continuous surgical intervention or visibility, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain alignment precision despite minimal access conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implant assembly including an alignment guide for aligning the engagement between a glenosphere and baseplate via a central screw engaged to the baseplate. The glenosphere includes first and second recess portions. The first recess portion of the glenosphere is configured to engage a tapered side surface of the baseplate and the second recess portion of the glenosphere is configured to engage a portion of a head of the central screw projecting outwardly from a top surface of the baseplate when engaged thereto. The portion of the head of the central screw projecting outwardly from the baseplate is slip-fit into the second recess of the glenosphere. This engagement aids the alignment of the glenosphere and the baseplate and helps to ensure the accurate alignment of the tapered engagement of the side surface of the baseplate and the first recess of the glenosphere.