Shoulder Reconstruction Cage for Tuberosity Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoulder joint fracture reconstruction methods fail to ensure optimal repositioning and bone consolidation of tuberosities, often due to insufficient cancellous bone and risk of displacement, especially in older patients, and lack adaptability to fracture configurations.
Innovation Solution
A reconstruction element with a malleable, curved surface that forms a 'basket' around the humeral implant, allowing for precise repositioning and immobilization of tuberosities, supplemented by grafts for bone growth and retention, and featuring deformable and adaptable design to accommodate varying fracture configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a medullar stem with external fin and retention loops is used to reposition tuberosities, then the tuberosities can be repositioned on the humerus, but the bone consolidation is insufficient due to lack of cancellous bone and the cortex contacts metal preventing bone consolidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the cage with bone graft material) between the metal medullar stem and the cortical bone of tuberosities. This intermediary allows bone-to-bone contact and consolidation while the metal stem provides structural support, resolving the conflict between mechanical retention and biological bone healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is designed with porous structure to accommodate bone graft material, creating a favorable environment for bone consolidation. The porous material allows bone ingrowth and provides a scaffold for new bone formation, addressing the insufficiency of cancellous bone in older patients.
2Reliability
If traditional fin and loop retention is used, then tuberosities can be attached to the medullar stem, but the repositioning is insufficient and tuberosities may displace towards the inner side of the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The cage extends in multiple dimensions around the medullar stem, providing retention loops that encircle the stem at different levels and orientations. This multi-dimensional arrangement prevents displacement in all directions, particularly towards the inner side of the joint, overcoming the limitations of simple anterior-posterior fin retention.
3Reliability
If bone graft is used to improve bone consolidation possibilities, then consolidation potential increases, but the device complexity and surgical procedure become more involved
Solution Approach 1:
The cage serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, accommodates bone graft material, creates retention loops for tuberosity attachment, and facilitates bone consolidation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and procedures, balancing the benefits of bone grafting with practical surgical considerations.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, the set of reconstruction comprises an element of reconstruction (1 ) comprising a base part (11 ) and an upper part (10) connected to said base part (11 ) or intended to be connected to this base part (11 ); said base part (1 1 ) comprises means (12, 25, 26) for its mounting on the external side of the humeral implant (2); it is sized to project, after installation on the humeral implant (2), beyond the external surface (2a) of the humeral implant (2) and beyond at least one of the anterior (2b) or posterior (2c) surfaces of this humeral implant (2), on the outer side of these surfaces; and said upper part (10) forms an outer external curved surface extending, after mounting on the humeral implant (2), away from the external surface (2a) of this humeral implant (2) and from at least one of the anterior (2b) or posterior (2c) surfaces of this humeral implant (2).