Segmented Augmentation Cone for Joint Revision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional augmentation devices for joint endoprosthesis revision surgeries lack dimensional stability and are difficult to adjust in size without deformation, posing challenges in fitting and evenly distributing force during implantation, and may cause bone tissue damage or surgical risks.

Innovation Solution

An augmentation device with a biocompatible polymer cone featuring radially circumferential grooves that serve as saw guides for segment separation, allowing for adjustable size without deformation, and a method for adapting the cone size by sawing or cutting along these grooves, ensuring dimensional stability and safe surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the augmentation device uses a predetermined fixed size, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but it cannot be adapted to specific anatomical characteristics of different patients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to patient anatomyVSAvoiddevice size variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cone is divided into multiple separable sections by radially encircling grooves, allowing the device to be segmented into different sizes by removing one or more sections. This enables adaptation to various patient anatomies while starting from a single standardized device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves are pre-formed during manufacturing as saw guides, preparing the device in advance for potential size adjustments during surgery. This preliminary preparation enables quick and accurate size adaptation without requiring complex intraoperative manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible joints are used to compress the cone and reduce outer diameter, then size adjustment is enabled, but significant deformation occurs creating kinks that complicate fitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of deforming the entire cone structure through compression, the device segments the cone into removable sections. This allows size reduction by removing discrete portions rather than compressing the whole structure, thereby avoiding kinks and deformation of the remaining device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Specific cone sections are extracted or removed from the device by cutting along the grooves. This extraction approach reduces the outer diameter by eliminating material rather than deforming existing material, preserving the structural integrity and shape of the remaining device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If metal mesh augmentation devices are used, then some adaptability is provided, but dimensional stability is lost affecting prosthesis stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains dimensional stability by changing the parameter of cone size through removal of discrete sections rather than through material deformation or flexible structures. The rigid polymer material preserves its dimensional properties while the configurational parameter (size) is adjusted by section removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If conventional augmentation devices are used, then anchoring function is provided, but uniform force distribution into bone tissue is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidforce distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By precisely adjusting the cone size parameter to match the patient's specific anatomy through section removal, the device achieves optimal contact and force distribution across the bone interface. The customized fit ensures uniform force transmission while maintaining strong anchoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4268771B1Augmentation device and method for adjusting an augmentation device
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
  • EP4268771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4268771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4268771B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an augmentation device (100, 100', 100") comprising an annular cone (200, 200', 200") surrounding a channel (300, 300') extending through the cone from a proximal to a distal cone end. The cone consists of at least 50% by volume of a biocompatible polymer and has at least three radially circumferential grooves (400, 400', 400") in a cone surface (230, 230', 230") opposite the channel, which divide the cone into annular cone segments (250, 250', 250"). The invention further relates to a method for adapting the cone size of such an augmentation device.