Stemless Semi-Constrained Joint Implant for Stable Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interphalangeal joint arthroplasty devices suffer from high failure rates, stiffness, and unpredictable motion outcomes due to issues with implant loosening, dislocation, osteolysis, and reliance on healthy soft tissues, leading to permanent functional loss and potential amputation.
Innovation Solution
A stemless semi-constrained implantable joint replacement device with flexible connectors and transverse fixation systems, utilizing biocompatible materials and various fixation methods to stabilize the joint without stems, allowing for predictable motion and reduced bone preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stemmed joint replacement devices are used, then joint stability is improved, but bone loss and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stem component from the implant design, extracting only the essential joint replacement function while eliminating the bone-occupying stem. The implant consists of a proximal head and distal base that interface directly with bone surfaces without requiring medullary canal insertion, thereby preventing bone loss associated with stem placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into separate modular components including a proximal head, distal base, and articulating surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity and bone involvement compared to traditional stemmed designs.
2Ease of operation
If constrained hinge joint devices are used, then joint motion control is improved, but ligamentous support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies constraint only where needed - at the articulating surfaces between proximal and distal components - while leaving the ligamentous structures free to function naturally. The constraint is localized to the joint interface rather than requiring extensive ligamentous support throughout the entire construction.
3Reliability
If extensive bone preparation is performed, then implant fixation is improved, but surgical invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for medullary canal preparation by removing the stem component. Bone preparation is limited to creating flat bearing surfaces on the external bone surfaces, which is significantly less invasive than broaching and preparing the medullary canal while still providing reliable implant fixation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular multi-component devices are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is segmented into functional components (proximal head, distal base, articulating surfaces) that can be assembled together. This segmentation provides adaptability for different patient anatomies and joint conditions while keeping the overall design simpler than traditional stemmed constructs by eliminating the stem and reducing the number of required components.
Data Source
AI summary
A stemless implantable device for arthroplasty. In one example, the device can include a flexible connector having a proximal rod sleeve integrated in a proximal portion of the flexible connector and a distal rod sleeve integrated in a distal portion of the flexible connector. A proximal fixation rod can be configured to be inserted into the proximal rod sleeve. A distal fixation rod can be configured to be inserted into the distal rod sleeve. In another example, the device can include a proximal fixation hollow cylinder comprising a proximal opening and proximal flanges framing the proximal opening, and a distal fixation hollow cylinder comprising a distal opening and distal flanges framing the distal opening. A flexible connector can be configured to be held by the proximal flanges and the distal flanges.