Reversible Epiphyseal Part for Modular Shoulder Prosthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing shoulder prostheses with modular epiphyseal parts require a large number of different components to accommodate various anatomical and reversed configurations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity, as well as greater bone cuts and stress on fixation inserts in reversed prostheses.

Innovation Solution

A shoulder prosthesis design featuring a reversible epiphyseal part that can be rotated 180° to modify the inclination of its upper face from 135° to 145°, using a common diaphyseal part and epiphyseal parts that can be adjusted by +/- 2α, reducing the total number of necessary parts to 8 from 16.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular epiphyseal parts with different inclinations are used to accommodate anatomical and reversed prosthesis configurations, then the adaptability of the prosthesis system is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The epiphyseal part is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple functions by rotating 180 degrees. The same epiphyseal part can be configured for both anatomical prosthesis (135° inclination) and reversed prosthesis (145° inclination) by changing its orientation, eliminating the need for separate parts for each configuration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The epiphyseal part incorporates a dynamic reconfiguration capability through 180-degree rotation around an axis normal to its lower central support face. This dynamic adjustment allows the inclination angle to change from 135° to 145°, enabling the same physical part to adapt to different surgical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple epiphyseal parts with different inclinations are designed to cover all configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and inventory cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal epiphyseal part that can be rotated to achieve different inclinations, the manufacturing cost is reduced because only one type of epiphyseal part needs to be produced rather than multiple variants. This also reduces inventory costs as fewer different parts need to be stocked.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If wedge-shaped inserts are used to compensate for inclination differences in reversed prostheses, then the adaptability is improved, but the stress on the insert and fixation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstress on insert
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using static wedge-shaped inserts that create concentrated stress, the invention uses a dynamic rotation mechanism of the entire epiphyseal part. This distributes the stress more evenly across the insert and fixation points, reducing the peak stress and improving the mechanical strength of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3979950B1Shoulder prosthesis with modular epiphysal part
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 ONE ORTHO
  • EP3979950B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3979950B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a shoulder prosthesis (1) comprising a diaphyseal part (2) which extends along a diaphyseal axis (4) and on which an epiphyseal part (3) is mounted, the epiphyseal part (3) having an upper face (5) which is inclined along a frontal plane with respect to the diaphyseal axis (4), and a lower central face (6) bearing against a complementary upper face (7) of the diaphyseal part (2). According to the invention, the epiphyseal part (3) can be reversibly rotated 180° about an axis normal to the lower central face (6) bearng against the epiphyseal part (3) to modify the inclination of the upper face (5) of the epiphyseal part (3).