Robotic Acetabular Cup With Protrusions For Precise Bone Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fixing acetabular cups in hip surgery often result in misalignment and incomplete fixation due to the difficulty in maintaining tool position during reaming, leading to eccentric cavities and gaps between the cup and bone, which can cause loosening and instability.

Innovation Solution

The design of an acetabular cup with protrusions on its outer surface that engage with corresponding recesses in the prepared acetabulum, allowing for precise alignment and rotation to ensure secure fixation without the need for impaction forces, using a robotic system to form grooves and insert the cup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional reaming baskets are used to prepare the acetabular cavity, then the cavity can be shaped, but the tool position cannot be maintained accurately leading to eccentric cavity shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecavity shape accuracyVSAvoidtool position maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical reaming baskets with a robotic surgical system that uses computer-controlled end effectors to prepare the acetabular cavity. The robotic system provides precise positioning and automated reaming operations, eliminating the difficulty of maintaining tool position manually while achieving accurate hemispherical cavity shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preoperative planning and virtual surgical models to create a digital copy of the patient's anatomy before surgery. This virtual model guides the robotic operations to ensure precise cavity preparation, allowing the surgeon to plan the exact reaming path and depth before executing the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If multiple reamer baskets are swapped during the procedure, then the reaming process can be completed, but the cavity shape becomes increasingly inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaming process completionVSAvoidcavity shape accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system enables continuous, uninterrupted reaming operations without the need to swap tools mid-procedure. The automated end effector maintains constant contact with the bone surface and can progressively remove material in a controlled manner, ensuring the cavity shape remains accurate throughout the entire reaming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing manual tool swapping with robotic automation, the system eliminates the source of increasing inaccuracy. The robotic end effector is designed with precise positioning capabilities that maintain cavity shape accuracy throughout the complete reaming sequence without requiring intermediate tool changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the cavity is under-reamed by one cup size, then the cup can be impacted into place, but gaps exist between the cup and bone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup insertionVSAvoidcup fixation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system provides precise control over the reaming depth and cavity volume, eliminating the need for under-reaming. The automated operations ensure the cavity is prepared to the exact dimensions needed for proper cup fit, preventing gaps while avoiding the complications of impaction forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual surgical plan created from preoperative imaging allows precise calculation of the exact cavity volume and shape needed for optimal cup fit. This digital planning ensures the robotic reaming operations will create a cavity that matches the cup dimensions perfectly, eliminating gaps without requiring forceful insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If impaction forces are used to fix the cup, then the cup can be seated in the cavity, but the surgeon experiences increased fatigue and risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup fixationVSAvoidsurgeon workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs the cup insertion and fixation operations with automated precision, eliminating the need for the surgeon to apply impaction forces manually. The robotic end effector controls the insertion process, reducing physical strain on the surgeon while achieving reliable cup fixation through precise positioning and controlled engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240350273A1Robotic Acetabulum Preparation For Acceptance of Acetabular Cup With Engagement Features

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an acetabular cup for implantation into a prepared acetabulum. The acetabular cup includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end face that separates the inner surface and the outer surface. The end face is opposite a polar region of the acetabular cup and circumscribes an open end of the acetabular cup. A plurality of protrusions project outwardly from the outer surface at predefined locations. The acetabular cup is operatively engaged to the prepared acetabulum in a planned orientation when the plurality of protrusions are received in corresponding predefined recesses in the prepared acetabulum.