Reverse Shoulder Baseplate Angulation for Stable Glenosphere Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Anatomic shoulder replacements may not provide sufficient stability when the rotator cuff is insufficient, necessitating a reverse shoulder prosthesis to leverage remaining muscles effectively, but existing reverse shoulder systems lack optimal fixation and articulation adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A reverse shoulder system with a glenoid baseplate having a longitudinal axis angled relative to the stem, featuring a disc-shaped portion, anti-rotation features, and a Morse taper lock, along with a glenosphere that allows rotational control and a central set screw for enhanced stability and articulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anatomic shoulder replacement is used, then the articulating surfaces are restored to natural anatomy, but stabilization is insufficient when rotator cuff is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilizationVSAvoidadaptability to rotator cuff insufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reverse shoulder replacement where the conventional anatomic configuration is inverted: the glenoid component becomes the fixed baseplate with stem, and the humeral component becomes the mobile glenosphere. This inversion provides inherent stability without relying on rotator cuff function, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining natural anatomy and providing stability with rotator cuff insufficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If reverse shoulder replacement is used, then stability is improved, but the articular surface configuration is reversed from natural anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidarticular surface configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent explicitly embraces the inverted configuration as the solution: the glenoid baseplate with longitudinal axis angled relative to the stem, and the glenosphere with rotational control features, create a stable reverse articulation that accepts the shape reversal as necessary for achieving stability in rotator cuff insufficient patients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is angled relative to the stem, then rotational control and stability are improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational controlVSAvoidbaseplate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design in the glenoid baseplate where the longitudinal axis is deliberately angled relative to the stem axis, and the glenosphere incorporates asymmetric rotational control features. This asymmetry provides inherent rotational control and stability while accepting increased structural complexity as necessary for the reverse configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12616578B2Total reverse shoulder systems and methods

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SHOULDER INNOVATIONS

AI summary

A reverse shoulder system can include, for example, a glenoid baseplate comprising a longitudinal axis, the glenoid baseplate further including a stem and a central channel within a sidewall of the stem. The stem can include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Other components including a glenosphere, tools, and methods of use are also disclosed.