Tibial Prosthesis Locking Insert for Bearing Micro-Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tibial prostheses experience micro-motion between the tibial bearing component and the tibial baseplate, which can reduce durability and require metal reinforcement for rigidity, increasing weight.
Innovation Solution
A tibial prosthesis design with a tibial bearing component, tibial baseplate, insert, and fastener that secures the insert to the baseplate, reducing micro-motion and enhancing rigidity without additional metal reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal reinforcement is provided to the tibial bearing component to increase rigidity, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the tibial bearing component and tibial baseplate. This mechanism includes a locking element that engages with a locking feature to prevent relative motion, thereby providing the necessary rigidity and strength without requiring additional metal reinforcement in the tibial bearing component itself, thus avoiding weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the tibial bearing component, the locking mechanism, and the tibial baseplate. By segmenting the rigidity-providing function into a dedicated locking mechanism rather than incorporating it into the tibial bearing component structure, the design achieves the required strength while maintaining lighter weight.
2Reliability
If additional lockdown features are provided to reduce micro-motion, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing tibial prosthesis assembly by combining it with the tibial bearing component and tibial baseplate. The locking element and locking feature are designed to work together as a unified system that reduces micro-motion between components, improving durability without requiring entirely separate additional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the tibial bearing component to the tibial baseplate through the locking element and locking feature interaction. This self-securing mechanism reduces micro-motion and improves durability without requiring complex external locking systems or additional operational steps.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example, a tibial prosthesis that can include a tibial bearing component, tibial baseplate, an insert and a fastener. The tibial bearing component can have medial and lateral proximal articular surfaces and an opposing distal surface. The tibial bearing component can define at least one recess therein with the recess having an opening at a periphery of the tibial bearing component. The tibial baseplate can be coupled to the tibial bearing component on the proximal surface thereof and having a distal surface configured to be disposed on a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The insert can be configured to be disposed within the recess and can engage the tibial baseplate and the tibial bearing component. The fastener can be insertable into the tibial bearing component and can be configured to retain the insert to the tibial baseplate.