Segmented Knee Prosthesis Bearings for Patient-Specific Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee joint prostheses lack flexibility in accommodating individual patient needs, particularly in terms of bearing configuration, which can affect the fit and functionality of the prosthesis.
Innovation Solution
A knee joint prosthesis assembly featuring a unitary tibial component with independently attachable medial and lateral bearings, allowing for either fixed or mobile configurations to be selectively secured, enabling patient-specific customization and improved articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed bearing component is used in the knee joint prosthesis, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing component is divided into separate medial and lateral bearing components that can be independently selected and attached to the tibial tray, allowing customization for different patient anatomies and functional requirements while maintaining overall structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis offers dynamic configurability where the surgeon can select between fixed and mobile bearing options for each side (medial or lateral), and even combine different bearing types on opposite sides of the same prosthesis, adapting to specific patient needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile bearing component is used in the knee joint prosthesis, then the adaptability to patient needs is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into independent medial and lateral components that can be selectively configured as fixed or mobile, allowing the surgeon to place mobile bearings only where needed for patient-specific mobility requirements while maintaining stability in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
Different bearing characteristics (fixed vs. mobile) can be applied to different locations (medial vs. lateral) of the same prosthesis, optimizing local functional requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent medial and lateral bearing components are used, then the adaptability to patient-specific needs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is divided into separate medial and lateral components with standardized attachment interfaces to the tibial tray, enabling independent selection and combination of fixed/mobile options without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The tibial tray is designed with universal attachment features (such as keels or pegs) that can accommodate both fixed and mobile bearing components using standardized interfaces, reducing the need for multiple specialized tray designs
Data Source
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AI summary
A knee joint prosthesis assembly (10) according to the according to the present disclosure can include a femoral component (12), a unitary tibial component (614), a medial bearing (616), and a lateral bearing (618). The femoral component can have a medial (20) and a lateral (22) condyle portion connected by a patellar track portion (26). The femoral component can form an opening (30) between the medial and lateral condyles. The unitary tibial component can have a medial portion that includes a first posterior engagement lip (640) and a first outer securing lip (643). The tibial component can further include a lateral portion that includes a second posterior engagement lip (640) and a second outer securing lip (643). The medial bearing can have a first posterior groove (627) formed thereon that selectively engages the first posterior engagement lip and a first outer groove (629) that selectively engages the first outer securing lip.