Specialized Shoulder Replacement Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857427_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Shoulder Replacement Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857427_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857427_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,427.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept relates to a family of shoulder replacement systems adapted for use in specific, challenging environments or patient populations, such as high-altitude, aquatic, or compromised immune systems.

Background and Problem Solved

Conventional shoulder replacement systems may not be suitable for patients with unique needs or operating in extreme environments. The original patent's limitations in addressing these niche requirements led to the development of this inventive concept, which provides specialized solutions for these underserved markets.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a range of shoulder replacement systems, including stemless humeral components for high-altitude environments, customized implants with reinforced stem sections for osteoporotic patients, waterproof coatings for aquatic environments, antimicrobial coatings for compromised immune systems, and radiation-resistant materials for patients with a history of radiation therapy. Each system is designed to address the specific challenges of its target environment or patient population, ensuring improved outcomes and reduced complications.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of shoulder replacement systems to address the unique demands of specific environments or patient populations, providing a tailored solution that deviates from the conventional one-size-fits-all approach. The inventive step resides in the combination of specialized materials, designs, and surgical techniques that enable successful implantation and improved outcomes in these niche areas.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include modular implant designs, adjustable stem lengths, or customizable surface coatings. Variations could also involve the integration of advanced materials, such as nanomaterials or smart materials, to enhance the implant's performance and longevity.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the areas of specialized implants, surgical instruments, and customized surgical techniques. Target markets include high-altitude regions, coastal or aquatic environments, and healthcare systems serving patients with compromised immune systems or a history of radiation therapy.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/4014
A A61 A61F2/30749
A A61 A61F2002/30383
A A61 A61F2002/30428
A A61 A61F2002/4022

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical implants, specifically shoulder prosthesis design and biomechanical adaptation, requiring advanced knowledge of materials science, surgical techniques, and biomechanical engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with expertise in implant materials, surgical methodologies, and patient-specific adaptation strategies, holding advanced degrees and practical experience in medical device development

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's fundamental shoulder implant design by applying known engineering adaptation strategies to specific environmental and patient conditions. The disclosed variations represent logical extensions of existing implant technology using standard design modification techniques. The combinations demonstrate routine problem-solving within the field of orthopedic implant design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Anchor member with circumferential groove and central member design from source patent
PTD Variation
Customized implant with reinforced stem section for osteoporotic patients
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying stem geometry is a predictable design choice to address specific bone density conditions using known material reinforcement techniques
Source Patent Element
Stemless and stemmed humeral component configurations
PTD Variation
High-altitude specialized stemless component with low-oxygen adaptation
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting implant geometry for environmental conditions represents a standard engineering approach with finite, predictable solution set
Source Patent Element
Base and central member structural configurations
PTD Variation
Antimicrobial coating integrated into implant surface design
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding functional coatings to medical implants is a well-established technique for addressing specific clinical requirements
Source Patent Element
Anchor member with through-hole and threaded portions
PTD Variation
Radiation-resistant material integration for patients with radiation therapy history
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting alternative materials with enhanced performance characteristics is a routine design optimization strategy
Source Patent Element
Surgical implantation methods described in source patent
PTD Variation
Specialized surgical techniques for unique patient populations
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing targeted surgical approaches based on patient-specific conditions represents standard medical device engineering practice
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857427 and the published technical disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through routine design modifications, material selections, and adaptation strategies that represent predictable solutions within the field of orthopedic implant design. The disclosed variations constitute prima facie obviousness under 35 U.S.C. Section 103, rendering subsequent claims covering similar technical approaches anticipated and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,427
TitleImplants, systems and methods of using the same
Assignee(s)DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY