Spring-Loaded Joint Spacer for Adjustable Gap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current joint spacer and bearing trial systems require frequent removal and reinsertion of spacers to adjust flexion and extension gaps during knee arthroplasty, which is inefficient and disrupts the joint space balance.

Innovation Solution

A spring-loaded adjustable joint spacer system comprising two plates coupled by resilient devices, allowing spacer inserts to be added between the plates without removing the spacer from the joint, enabling adjustments to be made without disrupting the joint space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual spacers of different thicknesses are inserted one at a time to adjust flexion and extension gaps, then the ligaments can be properly tensed, but the spacer must be removed and replaced each time an adjustment is desired, which is inefficient and disrupts joint space balance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of spacer adjustmentVSAvoidtime for spacer removal and reinsertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer assembly is segmented into a primary spacer block and multiple shims of different thicknesses. The shims can be individually added to or removed from the primary block to adjust the overall spacer thickness, allowing gap adjustments without removing the spacer from the joint. This segmentation enables flexible adjustment while maintaining joint space balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer system is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the addition or removal of shims from the primary spacer block. This dynamic configuration allows the spacer thickness to be modified while the spacer remains in place, eliminating the need for removal and reinsertion operations and reducing procedural time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single primary spacer block with multiple shims is used to increase overall thickness, then adjustments can be made by adding or removing shims, but the primary spacer block must be removed from the joint for adjustments to be made

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of spacer thickness adjustmentVSAvoidease of maintaining joint space balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If tibial bearing trial systems include multiple bearing inserts of different thicknesses that can be selectively coupled to the tibial trial, then the desired bearing thickness can be identified, but the bearing inserts must be individually inserted into the joint space and coupled to the tibial trial

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of bearing thickness selectionVSAvoidproductivity of bearing selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer insert receiving portion is configured to receive multiple spacer inserts of different thicknesses between the first and second plates. This merging of multiple thickness options into a single integrated spacer assembly allows the surgeon to select and adjust bearing thickness without repeatedly inserting and removing individual components, improving productivity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise adjustment of joint gaps without removing the spacer from the joint, improving the efficiency and accuracy of orthopedic procedures by maintaining continuous joint space balance.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling device includes a spring element that undergoes elastic deformation to maintain a resilient force between the first plate and the second plate, allowing for adjustable spacing while maintaining structural integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9259331B2Spring loaded adjustable joint spacer/bearing trial system

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

A joint spacer for an orthopedic procedure including a first plate, a second plate, a coupling device, and a spacer insert receiving portion. The first plate includes a first bone facing surface and a first inner surface. The second plate includes a second bone facing surface and a second inner surface facing the first inner surface. The coupling device couples the first plate and the second plate together. The spacer insert receiving portion of at least one of the first inner surface or the second inner surface is configured to receive at least one spacer insert between the first plate and the second plate to space the first plate and the second plate apart a distance corresponding to an optimal interval between bones of a joint.