Semi-constrained Ball-and-Socket 1st CMC Joint Implant
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for alleviating pain in the 1st carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb, such as complete removal of the trapezium or partial removal with a spacer, do not adequately address the need for improved devices and methods to provide stability and range of motion while minimizing component loosening and subsidence.
Innovation Solution
A ball-and-socket joint implant with a proximal and distal component, where the proximal component is attached to the distal carpal row and the distal component to the thumb metacarpal, mimicking the natural anatomy and providing a secure anchor with a concave articulation, allowing for functional range of motion and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a complete removal of the trapezium or partial removal with a spacer is performed, then pain in the 1st CMC joint is alleviated, but stability and range of motion are not adequately maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The implant utilizes a ball-and-socket joint design where the proximal component has a spherical head that articulates with the concave distal component. This spherical geometry mimics the natural anatomy of the 1st CMC joint, providing both stability and functional range of motion while alleviating pain through proper load distribution and articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant serves as an intermediary device replacing the removed trapezium bone. The proximal component with fixation portion anchors to the distal carpal row, while the distal component with fixation portion anchors to the thumb metacarpal, creating a stable articulating joint that mediates between these two bone structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional implant structures are used, then pain relief is achieved, but component loosening and subsidence occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into two separate components: a proximal component with a spherical head and fixation portion that anchors to the distal carpal row, and a distal component with a concave socket and fixation portion that anchors to the thumb metacarpal. This segmentation allows each component to be independently secured to its respective bone, preventing loosening and subsidence while maintaining joint function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-and-socket joint design with spherical proximal component and concave distal component provides stable articulation that distributes loads evenly, reducing stress concentration that could lead to component loosening. The spherical geometry ensures proper alignment and reduces subsidence by maintaining consistent contact surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A first carpometacarpal joint implant. One embodiment of the invention includes proximal and distal components. The proximal component includes a fixation portion for attachment to one or more elements of a patient's distal carpal row, a ball-type joint portion cantilevered off the fixation portion, and a skid having a concave surface opposite the ball-type joint for engaging a patient's scaphoid bone. The distal component has a fixation portion for attachment to a patient's thumb metacarpal, and a socket-type joint portion that cooperates with the ball-type joint portion of the proximal component.