Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
GLENOID IMPLANT
2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to medical implants. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a glenoid implant.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Shoulder joints, also known as the glenohumeral joint, are a ball-and-socket joint that connects an upper arm bone (humerus) to a shoulder blade (scapula). The rounded head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket known as the glenoid cavity located on the lateral aspect of the scapula. Various muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joint provide stability and facilitate movements like flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation of the arm.
[3] Severe arthritis, fractures, or avascular necrosis of the shoulder joint can lead to significant pain and disability, often requiring total shoulder replacement or arthroplasty surgery. In this surgical procedure, the damaged humeral head is replaced with a prosthetic implant, and the glenoid cavity is resurfaced with a glenoid component to recreate the ball-and-socket articulation.
[4] Despite recent advancements, glenoid loosening remains a major complication affecting the long-term success of total shoulder arthroplasty. The glenoid component relies on bony ingrowth into a small surface area for stable fixation to the glenoid cavity of the scapula. Over time, the glenoid component may become loose due to factors such as osteolysis, stress shielding or poor initial fixation stability. Glenoid loosening can lead to pain, loss of shoulder function and potentially require complex revision surgery.
[5] Various techniques and implant designs have been proposed to improve glenoid fixation and minimize component loosening, including pegged or keeled glenoid components, trabecular metal backing, bone ingrowth surfaces, cemented components, and more recently augmented or bony-increased glenoid implants. However, many of these existing solutions have practical limitations or tradeoffs in terms of implant cost, surgical complexity, risk of complications, and long-term outcomes.
[6] Therefore, there arises a need for an improved implant that overcomes the problems associated with the conventional implants.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[7] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[8] The present disclosure relates to a glenoid implant. In an embodiment, the glenoid implant includes a glenoid component, a base component and a support component. The base component is coupled to the glenoid component. The support component is coupled to the base component via a connecting member and makes an angle with the base component. The support component is configured to be secured with a scapula bone. Further, the support component, when secured to the scapula bone, is configured to restrain movement of the base component relative to the scapula bone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[9] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. To illustrate the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[10] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a glenoid implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[11] FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of the glenoid implant 100, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[12] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the glenoid implant 100, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[13] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the glenoid implant 100, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[14] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the glenoid implant 100 implanted on a scapula 410, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[15] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[16] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, coupled to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[17] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[18] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[19] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[20] The present disclosure relates to a shoulder implant system and surgical method designed to improve fixation and long-term stability of the glenoid component in total shoulder arthroplasty procedures. Total shoulder replacement involves replacing the damaged humeral head with a prosthetic implant and resurfacing the glenoid cavity of the scapula with a glenoid implant to recreate the shoulder's ball-and-socket articulation.
[21] The proposed glenoid implant of the present disclosure aims to address the shortcomings (e.g., glenoid loosening) of existing implants. In an embodiment, the glenoid implant includes a glenoid component having one or more pegs protruding from its medial side. A base component provides supports to the glenoid component and helps in bony in-growth. The base component mates with the medial side of the glenoid component and includes cavities to receive corresponding protrusions on the glenoid component, thereby coupling with the glenoid component. The glenoid implant further includes a support component coupled to the base component at an angle. The support component is configured to be secured with the scapula bone. The support component provides a highly stable construct that restrains motion of the base component, preventing loosening and enhancing fixation of the glenoid implant.
[22] The support component secures the base component to the peripheral bone areas around the glenoid vault. This additional fixation construct prevents micromotion, pistoning, and loosening issues that can occur with traditional implants.
[23] In an embodiment, the base component has an open porous structure on its medial side that allows osseointegration where bone grows into the porous implant surface over time. As this biological ingrowth develops, it provides a strong secondary fixation mechanism enhancing the long-term stability of the glenoid implant.
[24] By combining the immediate mechanical interlock from the support component with the biological ingrowth capability of the base component, the proposed implant system achieves a comprehensive "hybrid fixation" solution. It harnesses the strengths of divergent fixation strategies - robust initial stability to minimize early loosening risk, coupled with proven long-term biological fixation and osseointegration to maximize implant longevity.
[25] Moreover, the fixation of the support component away from the central glenoid vault helps offload and more evenly distribute joint reaction forces across a broader area of glenoid/scapular bone. This load-sharing design mitigates localized stresses that often cause osteolysis, bone defects and glenoid loosening under traditional implants over time.
[26] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[27] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a glenoid implant 100 according to an embodiment. The glenoid implant 100 includes a glenoid component 103, a base component 102 and a support component 101. The glenoid component 103 is configured to articulate with a humeral head component (not shown) of a shoulder prosthesis. The glenoid component 103 can be made of a biocompatible polymeric material such as, without limitation, Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), Highly Cross-linked Polyethylene (HXLPE), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), etc. In an embodiment, the glenoid component 103 is made of UHMWPE.
[28] The base component 102 acts as a base plate and provides a backing surface for the glenoid component 103. The base component 102 is coupled to the glenoid component 103. The base component 102 is configured to be positioned within a glenoid cavity. The base component 102 can be made of any suitable biocompatible material. In an embodiment, the base component 102 is made of a biocompatible metal such as, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, etc. In an exemplary implementation, the base component 102 is made of titanium. The medial face 210 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the base component 102 may be smooth or may be porous or suitably patterned to support bone in-growth post implantation.
[29] The support component 101 is configured to be secured with the scapula (e.g., at an area of the scapula adjacent to the glenoid cavity). The support component 101 provides additional fixation for the glenoid implant 100. This minimizes the chances of glenoid loosening as seen in conventional implants and therefore, reduces failure rate and increases longevity of the glenoid implant 100. The support component 101 includes a plurality of holes (e.g., holes 104, 105, 106, and 107) positioned suitably. The plurality of holes is configured to receive a corresponding fastener for fixing the support component 101 with the scapula bone. It should be appreciated that the number of holes shown in FIG. 1 are merely exemplary and the support component 101 may have any number of holes. The support component 101 can be made of any suitable biocompatible material. In an embodiment, the support component 101 is made of a biocompatible metal such as, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, etc. In an example implementation, the support component 101 is made of titanium. The support component 101 may have a convex profile generally matching the surface of a portion of the scapula bone where support component 101 is fixed.
[30] The support component 101 is coupled to the base component 102 using a connecting member. In an embodiment, the connecting member is a rib 108 extending between the support component 101 and the base component 102. It should be appreciated that any other suitable connecting member may be used. The rib 108 is in the shape of a circular arc having a suitable radial curvature. Due to the connecting member, the support component 101 and the base component 102 make an angle with each other such that when the base component 102 is disposed within the glenoid cavity, the support component 101 rests on the scapula adjacent to the glenoid cavity. When the support component 101 is secured to the scapula bone, the support component 101 is configured to restrict movement of the base component 102 relative to the scapula bone. The connecting member may be made of the same material as that of the support component 101 and the base component 102 or a different biocompatible material. In an example implementation, the connecting member is made of titanium. In an embodiment, the base component 102, the support component 101 and the connecting member form an integrated structure, though they may be separate components coupled using a suitable coupling technique.
[31] The base component 102, the glenoid component 103 and the support component 101 are dimensioned according to or based upon the bone anatomy of the patient or patient population in consideration.
[32] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base component 102 includes at least one first cavity 206 and a plurality of second cavities. Each of the at least one first cavity 206 is configured to provide a passage for a corresponding peg 205 of at least one peg 205 of the glenoid component 103. The number and position of at least one first cavity 206 corresponds to the number and position of the at least one peg 205. In the depicted embodiment, the glenoid component 103 includes one peg 205 provided centrally and the base component 102 includes one first cavity 206 provided centrally.
[33] The base component 102 and the glenoid component 103 are coupled together via the plurality of second cavities of the base component 102 and a plurality of protrusions of the glenoid component 103. Each of the plurality of second cavities is configured to receive or mate with a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions of the glenoid component 103. The locking of the plurality of second cavities and the plurality of protrusions enhances fixation strength between the base component 102 and the glenoid component 103 and prevents potential rocking or shifting between them. The number, shapes and positions of the plurality of second cavities correspond to the number, shapes and positions of the plurality of protrusions. In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of second cavities includes four cavities 201, 202, 203 and 204 provided symmetrically around the first cavity 206. The plurality of second cavities may extend at least partially into the width of the base component 102. In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of second cavities extend for the entire width of the base component 102. In other words, the plurality of second cavities are through-cavities. It should be appreciated that the number, shapes and positions of the plurality of second cavities illustrated herein are merely exemplary and any number of second cavities suitably placed and having desired shapes may be used.
[34] The at least one peg 205 extends from a medial face 317 of the glenoid component 103 (depicted in FIG. 3). The at least one peg 205 is used for fixing the glenoid component 103 within the glenoid cavity. The at least one peg 205 may have any suitable shape such as without limitation, cylindrical, frustum, conical, etc. The at least one peg 205 may also include a pre-defined pattern on its outer surface such as without limitation, fin, keel, etc. In an embodiment, the at least one peg 205 is cylindrical having a fin-like pattern 207. The fin-like pattern 207 includes an open porous structure into which bone can infiltrate and integrate over time. This creates a biological bond between the patient's native bone and the glenoid component 103 in addition to the mechanical fixation provided by other components of the glenoid implant 100.
[35] Referring now to the exploded view of the glenoid implant 100 illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of protrusions extends from the medial face 317 of the glenoid component 103. In an embodiment, the glenoid component 103 includes four protrusions 327, 328, 329, and 330 configured to interface with the cavities 201, 202, 203, and 204, respectively. The plurality of protrusions may be smooth or have a pre-defined pattern. In an embodiment, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions includes a ridge and each cavity of the plurality of second cavities includes a corresponding groove configured to mate with each other when the base component 102 and the glenoid component 103 are coupled together. For example, a first face 314, a second face 315 and a third face 316 of the protrusion 327 mate with a first face 305, a second face 306 and a third face 307 of the cavity 201, respectively. Similarly, a first face 318, a second face 319 and a third face 320 of the protrusion 328 mate with a first face 302, a second face 303 and a third face 304 of the cavity 202, respectively. Further, a first face 321, a second face 322 and a third face 323 of the protrusion 330 mate with a first face 313, a second face 312 and a third face 311 of the cavity 204, respectively. Similarly, a first face 324, a second face 325 and a third face 326 of the protrusion 329 mate with a first face 310, a second face 309 and a third face 308 of the cavity 203, respectively. Further, the medial face 317 of the glenoid component 103 mates with a bearing surface 301 of the base component 102, when the glenoid component 103 and the base component 102 are coupled together.
[36] According to an embodiment, during the implantation procedure, the glenoid cavity on the patient’s scapula bone 410 (or scapula 410) is reamed. The base component 102 of the glenoid implant 100 is securely positioned within the reamed glenoid cavity. The support component 101 rests on the scapula 410 adjacent to the reamed glenoid cavity as shown in FIG. 4. The support component 101 is then fixed with the scapula 410. For example, a plurality of fasteners is inserted into the corresponding plurality of holes of the support component 101. For example, screws 401, 402 and 403 are inserted into the holes 107, 106 and 104, respectively, of the support component 101 and fixed with the scapula 410.
[37] Next, the glenoid component 103 is impacted onto and coupled to the base component 102 with the protrusions 327, 328, 329, and 330 of the glenoid component 103 locking with the cavities 201, 202, 203, and 204, respectively, of the base component 102 as explained before. Further the peg 205 is passed through the first cavity 206 and inserted into the reamed glenoid cavity. The fixation of the support component 101 with the scapula 410 provides strength and enhances stability of the glenoid component 103. Further, the support component 101 restrains potential motion, pistoning and/or rocking of the base component 102. This prevents the dislocation of the base component 102, thereby improving the overall fixation of the glenoid implant 100.
[38] The porous ingrowth structure of the fin-like patten 207 on the medial side of the glenoid component 103 allows bone in-growth over time. This biological integration, combined with the mechanical fixation provided by the base component 102 and the support component 101, creates an advantageous hybrid fixation mechanism for the glenoid implant 100.
[39] The load-sharing design achieved by securing the support component 101 around the periphery of the glenoid implant 100 mitigates localized stresses that can cause osteolysis and implant loosening over time. Forces are more evenly distributed across the glenoid vault and surrounding scapular bone, preserving critical bone stock.
[40] From a surgical perspective, the modularity of the glenoid implant 100 provides flexibility. Different glenoid component, base component, and support component options in terms of sizes, materials, peg configurations etc. can be selected to best match the patient's anatomy and fixation needs.
[41] Though the aforesaid description has explained the fixation of the support component 101 with the help of a screw mechanism, it should not be considered as limiting. Alternative coupling mechanisms for fixing the support component 101 with the scapula are also envisaged and the same are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[42] In summary, the proposed glenoid implant provides a unique implant architecture specifically designed to improve glenoid fixation by combining the benefits of robust mechanical stability provided via the fixation of the support component with the scapula, with the biological ingrowth capabilities. This hybrid fixation approach, coupled with enhanced surgical flexibility and bone-preserving principals, aims to increase the longevity and reliability of total shoulder arthroplasty procedures.
[43] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[44] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
[45] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A glenoid implant (100) comprising:
a glenoid component (103);
a base component (102) coupled to the glenoid component (103); and
a support component (101) coupled to the base component (102) via a connecting member and making an angle with the base component (102), the support component (101) is configured to be secured with a scapula bone,
wherein the support component (101), when secured to the scapula bone, is configured to restrain movement of the base component (102) relative to the scapula bone.
2. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base component (102) comprises at least one first cavity (206), each of the at least one first cavity (206) configured to provide a passage to a corresponding peg (205) of at least one peg (205) extending from a medial face (317) of the glenoid component (103).
3. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one peg (205) of the glenoid component (103) comprises a pre-defined pattern on outer surface of the at least one peg (205).
4. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base component (102) comprises a plurality of second cavities (201, 202, 203, 204), each of the plurality of second cavities (201, 202, 203, 204) configured to mate with a corresponding protrusion of a plurality of protrusions (327, 328, 329, 330) extending from a medial face (210) of the glenoid component (103).
5. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (327, 328, 329, 330) comprises a ridge configured to mate with a groove provided in a corresponding cavity of the plurality of second cavities (201, 202, 203, 204).
6. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support component (101) comprises a plurality of holes (104, 105, 106, 107), with each hole of the plurality of holes (104, 105, 106, 107) configured to receive a corresponding fastener for securing the support component (101) to the scapula bone.
7. The caged glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member is a rib (108) extending between the base component (102) and the support component (101).
8. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base component (102) and the support component (101) are made of a biocompatible metal.
9. The glenoid implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glenoid component (103) is made of a biocompatible polymer.