Shoulder Implant Alignment Guide for Screw Trajectory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shoulder replacement surgery, particularly reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), surgeons face challenges in selecting appropriate screw trajectories and starting points for attaching baseplates and augments to the glenoid, leading to potential loosening and failure due to suboptimal bone engagement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a translator tool and provisional augment that guides the selection and establishment of screw trajectories and starting points, using a mechanism with pins and slots to lock the baseplate and augment in place along a pre-defined path, ensuring secure attachment to the glenoid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgeon manually selects a screw trajectory or starting point without guidance tools, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the screw may fail to purchase securely in the patient's bone, resulting in baseplate and/or augment loosening over time
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide and trajectory indicators are prepared and positioned on the baseplate before screw insertion, allowing the surgeon to pre-determine the optimal screw trajectory and starting point based on the patient's anatomy and bone quality, rather than selecting during the actual screw insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the screw, providing visual indicators and physical guidance to establish the correct trajectory and starting point, thereby improving screw purchase security without requiring complex real-time navigation systems
2Reliability
If a surgeon selects a non-optimal screw trajectory or starting point, then the surgical procedure is completed quickly, but the screw fails to secure the baseplate and/or augment properly to the glenoid, leading to implant failure
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide incorporates color-coded trajectory indicators that visually distinguish between optimal and non-optimal screw paths, allowing the surgeon to quickly identify the correct trajectory without requiring precise measurement or complex planning
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide divides the potential screw insertion area into distinct zones with different trajectory options, each marked with indicators showing the optimal path based on bone quality and anatomical considerations, making it easier for the surgeon to select the correct trajectory
Data Source
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AI summary
Various implant systems and methods of implantation are disclosed herein. The systems and methods allow a surgeon to accurately determine a suitable fastener trajectory for attaching certain components of the implant system to bone. In this manner, an appropriate fastener trajectory can be selected and used during a surgical procedure to ensure better purchase and attachment of the various components of the implant system to the bone.