Universal Joint Shoulder Implant with Yoke Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoulder joint implants face issues such as dislocation, loosening of glenoid components, bone deficit in the glenoid area, limited range of motion, and potential for scar-tissue and pathogenic growth, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint implant with a yoke-based connection that includes a spheroidal body and rotatable fixing members for the glenoid and humeral components, providing multi-point fixation and a more natural center of rotation, which can be implanted with minimal bone resection and reduced risk of tissue ingrowth, while maintaining a streamlined configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional shoulder joint implants with ball-like head and shallow cup are used, then the structure mimics natural joint, but dislocation occurs frequently and glenoid component loosening happens
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into separate humeral and glenoid components that can be independently positioned and fixed. The glenoid component includes a base plate with screw holes for secure fixation to the glenoid bone, separating the fixation function from the articulation function, thereby preventing loosening and dislocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The glenoid component is pre-designed with a specific geometry and fixation features (screw holes, engagement surfaces) that enable secure attachment to the glenoid bone before the humeral component is attached. This preliminary fixation of the glenoid component prevents loosening and provides a stable base for the articulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal shell or cemented plastic cup is used to fix glenoid component, then joint replacement is achieved, but fixation loosening occurs due to compromise of mounting on thin and fragile scapular bone
Solution Approach 1:
The glenoid component features a concave articulation surface that is spheroidal or dome-shaped, matching the convex surface of the humeral component. This curved geometry distributes contact stresses over a larger area, reducing point loads on the fragile scapular bone and preventing fixation loosening while maintaining natural joint mechanics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reverse shoulder implants with ball head on glenoid component are used, then structural alternative is provided, but dislocation and glenoid component loosening still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse shoulder implant is segmented into a glenoid component with a concave articulation surface and a humeral component with a convex spherical head. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's fixation and articulation functions, preventing dislocation through proper geometric matching and preventing loosening through secure glenoid fixation.
4Productivity
If conventional shoulder implants are used, then joint replacement is achieved, but natural range of motion is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation surfaces of both the glenoid and humeral components are designed with spheroidal geometry, creating a ball-and-socket joint that naturally permits multi-axial rotation and movement. This curved geometry enables the full range of shoulder motions (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation) while maintaining stable articulation and preventing dislocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Universal joint implant includes an artificial glenohumeral component having articulating surfaces. The artificial glenohumeral component can include a first portion for articulation against an artificial glenoid surface or natural glenoid of the patient, and second portion(s) for articulation against an artificial humeral surface or resected, natural humerus; and a universal joint connection. The connection includes a yoke to provide for a center of movement generally within or adjacent a volume defined by an upper head of a normal humerus, which otherwise would be resected; and a substantially spheroidal body, at least in part, dissected, yet connected to provide the yoke; a body pivotable with respect to the yoke for providing motion in a first direction; a rotatable glenoid fixing member, rotatably fixable about the artificial glenoid surface or natural or resected glenoid; and a rotatable humeral fixing member, rotatably fixable about the artificial humeral surface or resected humerus.