Slotted Joint Implant Anchor for Stable Motion Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint replacement devices for interphalangeal joints, such as those used in fingers and toes, face issues with instability, dislocation, bone erosion, and limited range of motion, often requiring fusion which results in loss of joint motion.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible connector for arthroplasty that includes a flexible central portion with anchoring portions at each end, designed for transverse implantation, allowing for secure fixation in phalanges without separate anchors, and featuring a thickened portion for retention in bone cavities, enabling a full range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional joint replacement devices are used, then joint replacement can be performed, but instability and dislocation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a first implant component with a first bone interface and a second implant component with a second bone interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions, improving overall stability while maintaining joint replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second implant components are positioned in nested or interlocking configurations within the joint space. This nesting arrangement provides mechanical interlocking that prevents dislocation while maintaining the ability to perform joint replacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fusion is performed to achieve stability, then joint stability is improved, but loss of joint motion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant device incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled motion between components. The first and second implant components are designed to move relative to each other within specific ranges, providing stability while preserving joint motion capability unlike rigid fusion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If constrained implants are used to prevent dislocation, then joint stability is improved, but bone erosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implant components feature locally optimized interfaces with specific geometric characteristics designed to distribute stresses evenly across the bone-implant interface. This local quality optimization prevents stress concentrations that cause bone erosion while maintaining overall joint stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If longitudinal incision is used for implantation, then implant can be inserted, but patient recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the traditional longitudinal dorsal incision approach, the device is designed for insertion through alternative incision locations and approaches. This inverted approach to implantation reduces soft tissue disruption and accelerates patient recovery while maintaining implantation feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for an implantable device for arthroplasty can include a hollow anchor body defining an interior cannula space. A slot can extend along a length of the anchor body. The slot can provide an opening from the interior cannula space to an exterior of the anchor body. The slot can have a slot width that is smaller than an internal width dimension in the interior cannula space. The anchor can also include a rounded edge at a transition between the slot and at least one of an interior surface of the anchor body or an exterior surface of the anchor body.