Tibial Prosthesis Baseplate Cement Fixation Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tibial prostheses face challenges in achieving stable fixation and durability due to micro-motion and lack of rigidity, and existing systems do not allow for seamless switching between cemented and non-cemented apparatuses, and existing systems do not allow for efficient surgical flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The tibial prosthesis features a baseplate with a distal surface designed for improved bonding with bone cement, including a keel and a plurality of fins that enhance fixation and durability, and a system that allows intraoperative switching between cemented and non-cemented apparatuses with shared geometry, reducing surgical complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a tibial baseplate is implanted without distal features for cement bonding, then the implantation process is simpler, but the bonding strength with bone cement is reduced leading to micro-motion and reduced durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strength with bone cementVSAvoidbaseplate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate is segmented with multiple distinct distal features including pockets, flutes, and fins that can be independently optimized for cement bonding. These segmented features allow the cement to penetrate and anchor at multiple locations, significantly improving bonding strength without requiring a complete redesign of the entire baseplate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Distal features are added only to specific regions of the baseplate where cement bonding is most critical, rather than modifying the entire structure. The pockets, flutes, and fins are strategically positioned at the distal surface to maximize cement interlocking while maintaining the overall simplicity and functionality of the baseplate design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a tibial baseplate lacks rigidity and torsional strength, then the manufacturing and implantation are easier, but the overall durability and stability of the implant is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability and stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tibial keel features curved and contoured geometries that naturally distribute mechanical loads more effectively, enhancing rigidity and torsional strength. The curved flutes and rounded fins provide structural reinforcement while maintaining smooth surfaces that are easier to manufacture using standard machining processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate incorporates a composite structure combining the keel, fins, and flutes as integrated load-bearing elements that work together to enhance overall rigidity. This composite design allows the structure to resist torsional forces more effectively while being manufactured as a single piece, avoiding the need for complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows switching between cemented and non-cemented apparatuses, then surgical flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and surgical time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical flexibilityVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tibial baseplate is designed with universal distal features that serve multiple functions: they provide cement bonding surfaces when cement is used, and simultaneously offer structural anchoring points for non-cemented fixation methods. This multi-functionality allows the same baseplate design to accommodate both cemented and non-cemented fixation approaches without requiring separate inventory or complex intraoperative decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate is pre-designed with integrated distal features that are ready for both cemented and non-cemented fixation methods before implantation. The pockets, flutes, and fins are manufactured in advance as part of the baseplate structure, eliminating the need for additional intraoperative modifications or component exchanges, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4674385A2Tibial prosthesis with distal features for cemented fixation
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 ZIMMER INC
  • EP4674385A2 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4674385A2 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4674385A2 patent drawingFigure 1E~1G

AI summary

According to one example, a tibial prosthesis that optionally includes a baseplate and a tibial keel. The baseplate optionally including: a distal surface sized and shaped to substantially cover a proximal resected surface of a tibia; a proximal surface opposite the distal surface, the proximal surface having a lateral compartment and a medial compartment opposite the lateral compartment; a periphery extending between the distal surface and the proximal surface; a first pocket formed in the baseplate and recessed from the distal surface, wherein the first pocket is configured to receive a bone cement therein; a second pocket formed in the baseplate and recessed from the first pocket, wherein the second pocket is configured to receive a portion of the bone cement. The tibial keel extending distally from the distal surface to define a longitudinal tibial keel axis.