Mobile Tibial Assembly Closed Track Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile tibial assemblies in knee replacement surgeries lack a secure and customizable mechanism for the tibial insert to move relative to the tibial tray, limiting the range of motion and adaptability to individual patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile tibial assembly featuring a tibial tray with a closed track that retains a stem of the tibial insert, allowing for controlled movement along the track while preventing lift-off, with a flange configuration that ensures secure retention and customizable orientation for optimal fit and function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile tibial assembly uses a traditional open track design, then the tibial insert can move freely relative to the tibial tray, but the range of motion is limited and the insert may lift off during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into discrete segments with defined boundaries and engagement features. The closed track configuration segments the movement path into controlled zones, allowing the insert to move through specific ranges while being retained at defined locations, thus resolving the contradiction between range of motion and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem of the tibial insert is nested within the closed track of the tibial tray, creating a hierarchical fit where the insert is contained within the track structure. This nesting provides both movement capability through the track and retention through the closed configuration, addressing both range of motion and stability requirements.
2Reliability
If a mobile tibial assembly uses a constrained track design, then the tibial insert movement is controlled, but the adaptability to different patient needs and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closed track design provides dynamic control over insert movement, allowing the system to adapt to different patient needs through configurable track geometries and engagement features. The track can be designed with varying shapes, sizes, and orientations to match specific patient requirements while maintaining controlled movement characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the closed track can have different local characteristics, such as varying widths, depths, and engagement features, to accommodate different movement requirements at different locations. This allows customized orientation and movement control for specific patient needs while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tibial insert is freely movable relative to the tibial tray, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of lift-off and loss of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed track configuration provides preliminary anti-action against lift-off by creating a contained structure that prevents the insert from exiting the track. The closed boundaries and engagement features are designed in advance to counteract forces that would cause lift-off, allowing movement freedom while eliminating the harmful effect of uncontrolled lift-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray and a tibial insert. The tibial tray includes a closed track. The tibial insert includes a stem configured to be inserted into the closed track and retained therein. The tibial insert is movable along the closed track once inserted.