Enhanced Modular Humeral Prosthesis for Inverted Shoulder Prostheses

Publication ID: 24-11857428_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Modular Humeral Prosthesis for Inverted Shoulder Prostheses,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857428_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857428_0006_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. 11,857,428.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved modular humeral prosthesis for inverted shoulder prostheses, offering enhanced adjustability, easier implantation, and improved long-term stability.

Background and Problem Solved

The original modular humeral prosthesis, as described in the original patent, has limitations in terms of adjustability and implantation complexity. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that enhance the overall performance and usability of the prosthesis.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced modular humeral prosthesis features an anatomical rod with multiple holes extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, allowing for adjustable positioning of the epiphyseal head. The epiphyseal head is designed with a reduced diameter to facilitate easier implantation and minimize tissue damage. Additionally, a novel insertion tool is provided, enabling precise control over the angle of rotation during implantation. The metaphyseal portion is coated with a bioactive material to enhance osseointegration and improve long-term stability. A software module generates a personalized 3D model of the patient's shoulder anatomy and provides real-time guidance during the surgical procedure.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of adjustable positioning, reduced diameter epiphyseal head, novel insertion tool, and bioactive coating, which collectively provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step resides in the integration of these features to create a more efficient, safer, and more effective modular humeral prosthesis.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include varying the number and pattern of holes in the anatomical rod, using different bioactive materials or coatings, or integrating sensors and feedback mechanisms into the prosthesis. Variations may also involve adapting the design for use in other joints or anatomical regions.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced modular humeral prosthesis has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the context of shoulder replacement surgeries. The target market includes orthopedic surgeons, hospitals, and medical device manufacturers seeking improved and more efficient solutions for their patients.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/4014
A A61 A61F2/30767
A A61 A61F2/4059
A A61 A61F2/40
A A61 A61F2002/3054
A A61 A61F2002/3071
A A61 A61F2002/30355
A A61 A61F2002/30428
A A61 A61F2002/30433
A A61 A61F2002/30604
A A61 A61F2002/30617
A A61 A61F2002/30774
A A61 A61F2002/30828
A A61 A61F2002/30879
A A61 A61F2002/4022
A A61 A61F2002/4051
A A61 A61F2002/4074
A A61 A61F2250/0089
A A61 A61F2250/0097

Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical implant design, specifically modular shoulder prosthesis technologies, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, materials science, and surgical intervention techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, expertise in medical device design, understanding of human joint biomechanics, and familiarity with modular prosthetic component integration strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent incremental improvements using standard design optimization techniques commonly applied in medical device engineering. The disclosed modifications leverage known surgical design principles to enhance prosthesis functionality through predictable combinations of existing technological approaches. The variations demonstrate standard problem-solving strategies within orthopedic implant design that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve shoulder prosthesis performance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Modular humeral prosthesis with adjustable epiphyseal head rotation
PTD Variation
Multiple holes in anatomical rod allowing precise angle positioning
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design optimization using known mechanical alignment techniques, representing a routine engineering solution for enhanced adjustability
Source Patent Element
Surgical implantation method involving angle measurement
PTD Variation
Software module generating personalized 3D anatomical model with real-time surgical guidance
Obviousness Reasoning
Natural technological progression integrating digital planning tools with established surgical techniques, representing an expected computational enhancement
Source Patent Element
Anatomical stem with metaphyseal portion
PTD Variation
Metaphyseal portion coated with bioactive material to enhance osseointegration
Obviousness Reasoning
Well-established materials science approach for improving implant-bone interface, representing a known technique for improving surgical implant performance
Source Patent Element
Modular prosthesis design allowing component interaction
PTD Variation
Reduced diameter epiphyseal head to minimize tissue damage
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine design optimization addressing known surgical challenges through geometric modification, representing a predictable solution within medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Surgical implantation method with rotation measurement
PTD Variation
Novel insertion tool providing precise rotational control
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard engineering approach of developing specialized surgical tools to improve existing procedural techniques, representing an expected incremental improvement
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on comprehensive analysis of US Patent 11857428, the present published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious extensions of prior art through routine engineering optimization, employing standard design techniques and predictable combinations of known technological approaches within orthopedic prosthetic device development.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,428
TitleModular humeral prosthesis for an inverted shoulder prosthesis
Assignee(s)DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY