Robotic Shoulder Arthroplasty System With Interchangeable Cutting Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic systems for surgery lack precision and accuracy in preparing the humerus for shoulder arthroplasty, particularly when using stemless implants, which require secure placement without a humeral stem, necessitating a need for more precise bone preparation techniques.

Innovation Solution

A robotic surgery system comprising a robotic manipulator, a first cutting tool, and a second cutting tool, controlled by a controller to resect the humerus along a specific plane and form bores for attachment features of shoulder implants, enabling precise preparation for both stemmed and stemless implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If robotic systems are used for shoulder arthroplasty, then precision and accuracy in bone preparation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in bone preparationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic manipulator is designed with interchangeable cutting tools that can perform multiple functions: a first cutting tool for resecting the humeral head and a second cutting tool for forming bores. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools and simplifies the overall system while maintaining high precision through robotic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting operations with a robotic manipulator system that uses computer-controlled movement. The robotic system guides cutting tools along pre-planned trajectories, substituting manual mechanical precision with automated robotic positioning and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of substance

If stemless implants are used, then bone material preservation is improved, but implant stability becomes more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebony material removalVSAvoidimplant stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system performs preliminary actions by first resecting the humeral head to create a precise resection surface, then forming bores at predetermined locations and orientations. These pre-prepared features guide the placement of stemless implants, ensuring stability through accurate positioning of attachment features such as screws or cementless fixation elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific localized features at precise locations: a resection surface at the humeral head and bores at specific depths and angles. These localized preparations provide optimal conditions for implant attachment while preserving the rest of the humeral bone structure, achieving both material conservation and implant stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240358441A1Robotic System For Shoulder Arthroplasty

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 MAKO SURGICAL CORP

AI summary

Robotic systems and methods for preparing a humerus to receive a shoulder implant involve a robotic manipulator and first and second cutting tools configured to be interchangeably coupled to the robotic manipulator. A controller controls the robotic manipulator and the first cutting tool to resect a head of the humerus along a resection plane to define a resection surface for supporting the shoulder implant. The controller controls the robotic manipulator and the second cutting tool to form at least one bore below the resection surface to receive at least one attachment feature of the shoulder implant.