Enhanced Hinged Articulating Spacer System for Revision Knee Arthroplasty
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved hinged articulating spacer system for revision knee arthroplasty, featuring real-time load-sensing, self-lubricating coatings, adjustable tensioning, and porous surfaces for enhanced durability, stability, and patient outcomes.
Background and Problem Solved
Revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a complex procedure often performed in two stages, where the original hinged articulating spacer system may have limitations in terms of weight-bearing capacity, friction, and osseointegration. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced features that enhance the system's performance and patient outcomes.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced hinged articulating spacer system comprises a load-sensing module that monitors and adjusts the spacer system's stiffness in real-time, allowing for optimal weight-bearing capacity. The hinged rod assembly features a self-lubricating coating to reduce friction and wear, increasing the system's durability and lifespan. An adjustable tensioning mechanism customizes the spacer system's stiffness and flexibility according to the patient's specific needs and preferences. Additionally, the articulating component assembly includes a porous, bone-ingrowth-promoting surface to facilitate osseointegration and enhance the system's long-term stability.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's load-sensing module, self-lubricating coating, adjustable tensioning mechanism, and porous surface features provide a non-obvious improvement over the original patent, offering enhanced performance, durability, and patient outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in the load-sensing module's design, such as using different sensor types or algorithms. The self-lubricating coating could be replaced with alternative low-friction materials or surface treatments. The adjustable tensioning mechanism could be implemented using different actuation methods or control systems. The porous surface feature could be modified to accommodate different bone-ingrowth patterns or materials.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced hinged articulating spacer system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the revision TKA market. The system's advanced features and improved performance could lead to increased adoption rates, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/3845 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/30724 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/389 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/3859 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/305 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30677 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00011 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic medical devices, specifically revision knee arthroplasty implant systems, requiring advanced biomechanical engineering, materials science, and surgical intervention expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in prosthetic design, familiar with biomaterials, mechanical load dynamics, and surgical implant technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable incremental improvements to the source patent's hinged articulating spacer system. The load-sensing, self-lubricating, and adjustable tension features are logical extensions of existing orthopedic device design principles. These modifications address known limitations in revision knee arthroplasty implants by introducing real-time monitoring and customization capabilities.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,424 |
|---|---|
| Title | Hinged articulating spacer system for revision knee arthroplasty |