Tibial Component Interchangeable Spacer Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee prostheses face challenges with limited availability of both mobile and fixed spacer bearings of different sizes, leading to potential wear, dislocation, and the need for revision surgery due to inappropriate sizing, which increases costs and recovery time, and may necessitate premature bone resection.
Innovation Solution
A tibial component with a planar plate and interchangeable spacer bearing attachment means, allowing for removability and interchangeability between mobile and fixed configurations, enabling universal application, minimally invasive procedures, and reducing the need for multiple prosthetic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed spacer bearing is used, then the spacer bearing is securely attached to the tibial component, but the prosthesis cannot be adjusted if sizing or mobility requirements change, potentially leading to wear and dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer bearing is divided into separate modular components that can be independently selected and attached to the tibial component. This segmentation allows the bearing to be securely fixed when needed while enabling easy replacement or removal if sizing or mobility requirements change, resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism for the spacer bearing is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the bearing to be securely attached during normal use but easily removable or replaceable when clinical conditions require adjustment. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain both reliability during operation and adaptability when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacer bearing sizes and types are included in the sterile pack, then the physician can select the appropriate configuration, but the cost and complexity of the package increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tibial component is designed with a universal attachment interface that can accommodate multiple types and sizes of spacer bearings. This multi-functionality allows a single tibial component to work with various bearing configurations, providing the physician with selection flexibility without requiring multiple specialized packages, thus reducing overall package complexity
3Reliability
If the spacer bearing is securely fixed to the tibial component, then movement and dislocation are prevented, but the bearing is more susceptible to wear from rotation and flexion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system allows the spacer bearing to be securely fixed to prevent dislocation while incorporating dynamic elements that can accommodate physiological movement. The bearing can be firmly attached during normal use to prevent dislocation, yet the design accounts for rotation and flexion forces to reduce wear, and allows for replacement if wear does occur
4Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile spacer bearing is used, then the bearing can accommodate knee ligament laxation, but the bearing may dislocate or wear out prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile spacer bearing is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to move and rotate to accommodate knee ligament laxation. The bearing can shift position to accommodate varying ligament tension while maintaining contact with the tibial component to prevent complete dislocation. The design balances mobility for ligament accommodation with sufficient stability to prevent premature wear and dislocation
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tibial component (10), suitable for use in an orthopedic prosthesis, which prosthesis includes a femoral component and a spacer bearing (70), the tibial component comprising a planar tibial plate (15) having an upper bearing surface (30) and a lower attachment surface (20), and the tibial plate further having at least one spacer bearing attachment means for removably securing the spacer bearing to the tibial plate.