Variable Shoulder Prosthesis Adapter Eccentric Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular shoulder prostheses require a large inventory of components to achieve a range of geometric configurations, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in accommodating varying bio-kinematics of patients.
Innovation Solution
A modular joint prosthesis system with an adapter and head component that allows for adjustable radial offsets and angular inclinations relative to the stem, utilizing eccentric couplings and indicia for precise alignment, enabling infinite adjustments within a given range without the need for numerous redundant components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular shoulder prostheses use multiple redundant components (adapters and heads) to achieve a range of geometric configurations, then the adaptability to different bio-kinematics is improved, but the quantity of components required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with dynamic adjustability through eccentric coupling mechanisms that allow the head component to be positioned at multiple angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°) relative to the stem. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single adapter design to provide multiple geometric configurations, eliminating the need for multiple redundant adapter components while maintaining adaptability to different patient bio-kinematics.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter component is designed as a universal multi-functional element that can accommodate various head components and provide multiple radial offsets and angular inclinations through its eccentric coupling mechanism. This universal adapter design replaces the need for multiple specialized adapters and heads, reducing the total component inventory while maintaining the ability to achieve diverse geometric configurations for different patient anatomies.
2Device complexity
If unitary shoulder prostheses are used to accommodate different bone sizes and joint configurations, then the simplicity of the prosthesis design is maintained, but the adaptability to varying bio-kinematics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is segmented into distinct modular components: a stem component, an adapter component with eccentric coupling, and a head component. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized while enabling flexible combination to achieve various geometric configurations. The modular segmented design provides adaptability to different bio-kinematics while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis design incorporates variable geometric parameters through the eccentric coupling mechanism, allowing adjustment of radial offset and angular inclination parameters. By changing these geometric parameters through the adapter's rotational capability rather than requiring different fixed designs, the system achieves adaptability to varying bio-kinematics while maintaining a simplified base design architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of differently sized prostheses is maintained for unitary shoulder prostheses, then the ability to accommodate different patients is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A universal adapter design with eccentric coupling capability serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different head sizes, provide various radial offsets, and achieve multiple angular inclinations. This universal adapter replaces the need for multiple specialized adapters and heads, significantly reducing the inventory required while maintaining the ability to accommodate diverse patient anatomies and bio-kinematics.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning capability of the adapter through its eccentric coupling mechanism allows a single adapter design to provide multiple geometric configurations. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for static pre-configured components in various sizes, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining patient accommodation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem.