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:
ORTHOPEDIC 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 a medical implant. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Human body includes numerous ball and socket joints, which allow smooth movement in the bones, for example, a shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint), a hip joint. The ball and socket joint allows for a wide range of motion including rotation, lifting, and swinging movements.
[3] Taking an example of a shoulder joint, also known as a glenohumeral joint, the glenohumeral joint has a great mobility but is also relatively unstable compared to other joints, making it more susceptible to dislocations and injuries. There are several medical conditions associated with glenohumeral joints including inflammation, instability due to loosening of the joints, compression of the rotator cuff, etc. causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the glenohumeral joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced motion.
[4] Patients suffering from such medical conditions typically undergo an arthroplasty procedure. In this procedure, damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial parts (prosthesis). In a reverse arthroplasty procedure, the ball is placed on a socket side of a joint. The socket is then placed on the arm side, where it is supported by a metal stem in the arm bone (humerus) (as shown in Fig. 1).
[5] However, conventional implants heavily suffer from problems such as loose locking, instability, inefficient load distribution, and wear and tear. The misalignment and/or loosening of the shoulder prosthesis may also lead to improper functioning of the shoulder prosthesis and compromising rotational stability of the shoulder joint, which is essential for optimal performance and patient satisfaction. The misalignment can, in turn, cause uneven mechanical load distribution in the shoulder joint leading to the rise of several complications and diseases such as osteolysis.
[6] Thus, there arises a need for an implant that overcomes the problems associated with 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 an implant. In an embodiment, the implant includes a bearing and a tray. The tray is coupled to the bearing. The bearing includes a raised platform, a first peg, and a second peg. The raised platform further includes a first cut-out and a second cut-out. The first peg is provided in a space defined by the first cut-out. The second peg is provided in a space defined by the second cut-out. The tray includes a base, a wall, a first radial extension, a second radial extension, a first slot, and a second slot. The wall extends from the base towards a top end of the tray and defines a space configured to receive the raised platform. The first radial extension is configured to fit within the first cut-out. The second radial extension is configured to within the second cut-out. The first slot is provided on the first radial extension. The first slot includes a first aperture provided at a first end of the first slot and configured to receive the first peg. The second slot is provided on the second radial extension. The second slot includes a second aperture provided at a first end of the second slot and configured to receive the second peg.
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. For the purpose of illustrating 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 depicts a glenohumeral joint, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[11] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of an implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 3a depicts a top perspective view of a bearing 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 3b depicts a bottom perspective view of the bearing 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 3c depicts another bottom perspective view of the bearing 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 4a depicts a perspective view of a tray 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 4b depicts a top perspective view of the tray 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 5a depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling between the bearing 110, and the tray 120, according to an embodiment of a present disclosure.
[18] Fig. 5b depicts an enlarged view of Part A, according to an embodiment of a present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[19] 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, couple 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.
[20] 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.
[21] 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.
[22] 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.
[23] The present disclosure relates to a prosthesis (or implant). The implant is used in a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (or a reverse shoulder replacement surgery). In an embodiment, the implant includes a bearing seated on a tray. The bearing and the tray are coupled together via a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism between the bearing and the tray ensures stability, secure fit, efficient load distribution, ease of implantation, minimized wear and tear, and enhanced durability. The locking mechanism of the present disclosure is vital for the performance, longevity, and success of implants, contributing significantly to patient outcomes and quality of life post-surgery. The locking mechanism ensures that the bearing and the tray are securely locked in place, thereby minimizing the risk of dislocation of the implant components. This stability is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of the implant. This reduces stress concentrations, which otherwise can lead to wear and tear or even failure of the implant over time.
[24] The locking mechanism further reduces micromotion between the bearing and the tray thereby minimizing wear and particle generation. This is important for reducing the risk of osteolysis (bone resorption) caused by wear particles. The locking mechanism enhances the overall durability and lifespan of the implant by maintaining a secure connection between the bearing and the tray, even under repetitive stresses and movements. Thus, the present disclosure contributes to better postoperative comfort and function for the patient.
[25] In an embodiment, the implant replaces the head of the humeral bone of glenohumeral joint. In another embodiment, the bearing and the tray are coupled to the scapula of the glenohumeral joint. Though the present disclosure is explained with respect to a shoulder implant, it can be extended to different parts of the human body, such as hip arthroplasty, which are within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.
[26] Now, referring to figures, Fig. 2 depicts an implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the implant 100 replaces the injured or damaged head of the humerus bone of a glenohumeral joint. The implant 100 includes a proximal end 100a and a distal end 100b. The implant 100 includes a bearing 110 and a tray 120. The bearing 110 is coupled to the tray 120 via a locking mechanism, which has been explained later. Details of the bearing 110 are explained in the context of Figs. 3a - 3c, while the details of the tray 120 are explained in the context of Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b.
[27] The bearing 110 (as shown in Fig. 2) is disposed at the proximal end 100a of the implant 100. The bearing 110 may be made of any biocompatible poly material or metal. The metal that may be used in making the bearing 110 may include, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium (CoCr), stainless steel 316 (SS 316), high nitrogen stainless steel (HNSS) etc., or a combination thereof. The poly material includes, without limitation, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) including Vitamin E, polyether ether ketone (PEEK). In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing 110 is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The dimensions of the bearing 110 may vary according to or based upon the anatomy of the patient and/or of the patient population in consideration. The bearing 110 is coupled with the tray 120 via a secure locking mechanism as described later, thereby leading to secure attachment of the bearing 110 with the tray 120 and ensuring patient’s safety.
[28] Figs. 3a – 3c depicts various views of the bearing 110 according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3a, the bearing 110 has a tubular structure and includes a body having a top end 110a, a bottom end 110b, a top surface 110d and a bottom surface 110c. In an embodiment, the bearing 110 includes a raised platform 111, a first curved end 113a, a second curved end 113b, a first cut-out 113c, a second cut-out 113d, a first peg 115a, and a second peg 115b. The top surface 110d of the bearing 110 is slanted. That is, the width of the bearing 110 reduces from one end to a diametrically opposite end. In the depicted embodiment, L1 and L2 define the width of the two diametrically opposite ends. As shown, L1 is less than L2. This slant conforms to the underlying human anatomy on which the implant 100 is to be secured.
[29] The top surface 110d of the bearing 110 may include a curvature. In an embodiment, the top surface 110d includes a concave structure. In another embodiment, the top surface 110d includes a convex curvature. The curvature of the top surface 110d of the bearing 110 is configured to receive at least a portion of a glenoid component (not shown). The bottom surface 110c is coupled with the tray 120 (described later).
[30] Referring to Fig. 3b, the raised platform 111 may be quadrilateral, circular, cone-shaped, arc-shaped, spherical, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the raised platform 111 is generally circular. The raised platform 111 extends away from the bottom surface 110c of the bearing 110 towards the bottom end 110b, defining a specific height. In an embodiment, the height of the raised platform 111 varies with respect to the patient anatomy. The raised platform 111 helps in coupling the bearing 110 with the tray 120 (explained later). In an embodiment, the raised platform 111 forms an integrated structure with the bottom surface 110c. In another embodiment, the raised platform 111 may be a separate component coupled to the bottom surface 110c using, for example, bonding, or any other suitable coupling technique known in the art.
[31] The raised platform 111 includes at least one curved end. In an embodiment, the raised platform 111 includes the first curved end 113a and the second curved end 113b provided at two opposite ends of the raised platform 111. It should be understood that more than two curved ends may be provided on the raised platform 111. The first curved end 113a and the second curved end 113b help in coupling the bearing 110 with the tray 120.
[32] The raised platform 111 further includes two or more cut-outs. In an embodiment, the raised platform 111 includes a first cut-out 113c and a second cut-out 113d. It should be understood that the number of cut-outs may vary as required. According to an embodiment, the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d are disposed at opposite sides of the raised platform 111. In an embodiment, the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d are equidistant from the first curved end 113a and the second curved end 113b. It should be understood though that the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d may be provided at any pre-defined location. For example, the first cut-out 113c may be placed closer to the first curved end 113a and the second cut-out 113d may be placed closer to the second curved end 113b or vice versa. The first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d may be circular, rectangular, oval, spherical, conical, or may have any other pre-defined shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d are rectangular. Each of the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d defines two side walls and a longitudinal wall. For example, the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d define a first longitudinal wall 113e and a second longitudinal wall 113f, respectively. The first longitudinal wall 113e and the second longitudinal wall 113f may be straight through the respective length or may have one or more surface features (e.g., indented portions, protruded portions, and the like). In an embodiment, each of the first longitudinal wall 113e and the second longitudinal wall 113f includes an indented portion provided centrally. The first cut-out 113c defines a first side wall (not shown) disposed towards the first curved end 113a and a second side wall (not shown) disposed towards the second curved end 113b. Similarly, the second cut-out 113d defines a third side wall (not shown) disposed towards the first curved end 113a and a fourth side wall (not shown) disposed towards the second curved end 113b.
[33] The raised platform 111 includes a surface 111a. The surface 111a is disposed at the center of the raised platform 111. In an embodiment, the surface 111a is circular, though the surface 111a may have any other shape.
[34] The bearing 110 may include at least one peg provided in the space enclosed by each of the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d. In the depicted embodiment, the bearing 110 includes a first peg 115a provided in the space defined by the first cut-out 113c and a second peg 115b provided in the space defined by the second cut-out 113d. It should be understood that more than one first peg 115a and more than one second peg 115b may be provided in the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d, respectively. The first peg 115a and the second peg 115b help in coupling the bearing 110 with the tray 120. The first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be disposed at a pre-defined position along the length of the first longitudinal wall 113e and the second longitudinal wall 113f. In an embodiment, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b are disposed adjacent to the indented portion of the first longitudinal wall 113e and the second longitudinal wall 113f respectively. Other positions of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b are also contemplated herein. For example, the first peg 115a may be disposed towards the first side wall of the first cut-out 113c and the second peg 115b may be disposed towards the third side wall of the second cut-out 113d. In another example, the first peg 115a may be disposed towards the second side wall of the first cut-out 113c and the second peg 115b may be disposed towards the fourth side wall of the second cut-out 113d. In yet another example, the first peg 115a may be disposed towards the first side wall of the first cut-out 113c and the second peg 115b may be disposed towards the fourth side wall of the second cut-out 113d. In yet another example, the first peg 115a is disposed towards the second side wall of the first cut-out 113c and the second peg 115b is disposed towards the third side wall of the second cut-out 113d. The distance of the first peg 115a from the first longitudinal wall 113e may be the same or different than the distance of the second peg 115b from the second longitudinal wall 113f.
[35] In an embodiment, each of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b includes a head and a body extending upwards from the head. The head of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be circular, spherical, oval, etc. In an example implementation, the head of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b is circular. The first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be made of a poly material including, without limitation, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) including Vitamin E, polyether ether ketone (PEEK). In an exemplary embodiment, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The first peg 115a may be cut partially from a bottom end 115a1 of the first peg 115a towards a top end (not shown) of the first peg 115a, thereby forming two are more sections having a gap therebetween. Similarly, the second peg 115b may be cut partially from a bottom end 115b1 of the second peg 115b towards a top end (not shown) of the second peg 115b, thereby forming two or more sections having a gap therebetween. The two or more sections of the peg (e.g., the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b) may be compressible (i.e., brought closer to each other) in response to a force, thereby reducing effective width of the peg and return to original position in the absence of any force. Such a compressibility enables the bearing 110 to be securely locked with the tray 120 as explained later, preventing any longitudinal movement of the bearing 110. In the depicted embodiment, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b are cut vertically from the respective center. It should be understood though that the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be cut at any other angle without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[36] In an embodiment, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b form an integrated structure with the bottom surface 110c. In another embodiment, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be separate components coupled to the bottom surface 110c using any coupling technique known in the art.
[37] Figs. 4a-4b depict the tray 120, in accordance with an embodiment. The tray 120 is disposed at the distal end 100b of the implant 100 (as shown in Fig. 2). The tray 120 may be made of any biocompatible poly material or metal. The metal that may be used in making the tray 120 includes, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, stainless steel 316 (SS 316), high nitrogen stainless steel (HNSS) etc., or a combination thereof. The poly material includes, without limitation, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) including Vitamin E, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the tray 120 is made of titanium. The dimensions of the tray 120 may vary according to or based upon the anatomy of the patient and/or of the patient population in consideration. The tray 120 replaces the diseased portion of the humeral head of the patient.
[38] The tray 120 has a top end 120a and a bottom end 120b. In an embodiment, the tray 120 includes a top surface 120c, a bottom surface 120d, a base 121, a first curved portion 121a, a second curved portion 121b, a first sliced surface 123a, a second sliced surface 123b, a first radial extension 123c, a second radial extension 123d, a central portion 125, a first slot 127a, a second slot 127b, and an extension 129. The wall 123 surrounds the base 121 and extends from the base 121 towards the top end 120a of the tray 120. The wall 123 defines a space configured to receive the raised platform 111 of the bearing 110. The extension 129 extends from the bottom surface 120d of the tray 120 towards the bottom end 120b. In an embodiment, the extension 129 is disposed at the center of the bottom surface 120d. It should be understood that the extension 129 may be disposed at any other position on the bottom surface 120d without deviating from the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure. The extension 129 has a pre-defined shape including, but not limited to, cylindrical, spherical, conical, tapered, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the extension 129 is cylindrical. In an embodiment, the extension 129 is made of titanium. The dimensions of the extension 129 may vary according to or based upon the anatomy of the patient and/or of the patient population in consideration. The extension 129 is inserted in the humerus (not shown) of a patient and is provided for coupling the implant 100 to the humerus.
[39] Fig. 4b depicts a top perspective view of the tray 120 in accordance with an embodiment. The base 121 of the tray 120 is configured to couple with the raised platform 111 of the bearing 110. In an embodiment, the raised platform 111 of the bearing 110 seats on the base 121 of the tray 120. A top surface (not shown) of the base 121 mates with a bottom surface (not shown) of the raised platform 111. The shape and dimensions of the base 121 correspond to the shape and dimensions of the raised platform 111 of the bearing 110. The base 121 may optionally include a central portion 125. The central portion 125 may be depressed or flat. The base 121 includes at least one curved portion configured to mate with the at least one curved end of the bearing 110. The number and position of the at least one curved portion of the tray 120 correspond to the number and position of the at least one curved end of the bearing 110. In an embodiment, the base 121 includes the first curved portion 121a and the second curved portion 121b. The first curved portion 121a is configured to mate with the first curved end 113a and the second curved portion 121b is configured to mate with the second curved end 113b. The positions and shapes of the first curved portion 121a and the second curved portion 121b correspond to the position and shape of the first curved end 113a and the second curved end 113b, respectively. In an embodiment, the first curved portion 121a and the second curved portion 121b may be placed diametrically opposite to each other and may be joined by rectangular portions.
[40] The wall 123 may have a non-uniform thickness. Optionally, the wall 123 may include at least one sliced surface. In the depicted embodiment, the wall 123 includes a first sliced surface 123a and a second sliced surface 123b. The first sliced surface 123a and the second sliced surface 123b are provided for better coupling with the bearing 110. The first sliced surface 123a and the second sliced surface 123b may be placed adjacent to the first curved portion 121a and the second curved portion 121b, respectively. In addition, the wall 123 includes at least one radial extension extending towards the center of the base 121. In the depicted embodiment, the wall 123 includes a first radial extension 123c and a second radial extension 123d. It should be understood that the number of sliced surfaces and the number of radial extensions may vary based upon requirements.
[41] In an embodiment, the first sliced surface 123a and the second sliced surface 123b are provided diametrically opposite to each other. Similarly, the first radial extension 123c and the second radial extension 123d are disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The first radial extension 123c is configured to fit within the first cut-out 113c and the second radial extension 123d is configured to fit within the second cut-out 113d. The first radial extension 123c has a first face 121c disposed towards the center of the base 121 and the second radial extension 123d has a second face 121d disposed towards the center of the base 121.
[42] Each of the at least one radial extension includes at least one slot. In an embodiment, the first slot 127a is provided on the first radial extension 123c and the second slot 127b is provided on the second radial extension 123d. The first slot 127a and the second slot 127b extend longitudinally. The first slot 127a includes a first aperture 127a1 at a first end and has a first opening (not shown) at a second end of the first slot 127a. Similarly, the second slot 127b includes a second aperture 127b1 at a first end and a second opening (not shown) at a second end of the second slot 127b. The first aperture 127a1 is configured to receive the first peg 115a and the second aperture 127b1 is configured to receive the second peg 115b. The first opening of the first slot 127a facilitates the insertion of the first peg 115a into the first slot 127a. Similarly, the second opening of the second slot 127b facilitates the insertion of the second peg 115b into the second slot 127b. The dimensions and position of the first aperture 127a1 and the second aperture 127b1 correspond to the dimensions and position of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b, respectively, of the bearing 110.
[43] The first slot 127a and the second slot 127b provide a passage for the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b, respectively, so that the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be inserted into and slid through the first slot 127a and the second slot 127b, respectively for seating the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b in the first aperture 127a1 and the second aperture 127b1, respectively. The cross-sectional shape of the first slot 127a and the second slot 127b corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, the first slot 127a and the second slot 127b have a T-shaped cross-section. The cross-sectional dimensions of the first slot 127a and the second slot 127b are slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b, respectively. This helps in locking the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b into the first aperture 127a1 and the second aperture 127b1 respectively, as explained later.
[44] To assemble the implant 100, the bearing 110 is coupled to the tray 120 at the top end 120a of the tray 120. Specifically, the raised platform 111 of the bearing 110 is seated on the base 121 of the tray 120. The first peg 115a and the second peg 115b are inserted into the first slot 127a and the second slot 127b, respectively, of the tray 120 via the respective openings of the first slot 127a and the second slot 127b. Since, the two or more sections of the first peg 115a (defined by the respective cut in the first peg 115a) move towards each other, the overall cross-sectional width of the first peg 115a is reduced. This allows the first peg 115a to be easily slide along the length of the first slot 127a of the tray 120. Once the first peg 115a moves into the first aperture 127a1, there is not force on the two or more sections of the first peg 115a. Consequently, the first peg 115a returns to the original shape, and snugly fits within the first aperture 127a1. Since the cross-sectional dimensions of the first slot 127a are slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the first peg 115a, any unwanted movement of the first peg 115a back into the first slot 127a is restricted and the first peg 115a is locked into the first aperture 127a1. Similarly, the second peg 115b is inserted into the second slot 127b and locked with the second aperture 127b1. The first curved end 113a and the second curved end 113b mate with the first curved portions 121a and the second curved portion 121b, respectively, of the tray 120, forming a butt-locking mechanism. The first radial extension 123c fits within the space defined by the first cut-out 113c and the first face 121c of the first radial extension 123c mates with the first longitudinal wall 113e. Similarly, the second radial extension 123d fits within the space defined by the second cut-out 113d and the second face 121d of the second radial extension 123d mates with the second longitudinal wall 113f. The said coupling of the first radial extension 123c and the second radial extension 123d with the first cut-out 113c and the second cut-out 113d, respectively, prevents any rotational movement of the bearing 110 with respect to the tray 120. Further, the bottom surface 120d of the bearing 110 mates with the base 121 of the tray 120, thereby coupling the bearing 110 with the tray 120. The assembled implant 100 (as shown in Fig. 5a and 5b) may then be implanted at a prepared site. The raised platform 111, the first curved end 113a, the second curved end 113b, the first cut-out 113c, the second cut-out 113d, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b of the bearing 110 along with base 121, the first curved portion 121a, the second curved portion 121b, the first radial extension 123c, the second radial extension 123d, the first aperture 127a1, and the second aperture 127b1 of the tray 120 define a locking mechanism of the implant 100. As explained above, the locking mechanism prevents any movement (longitudinal and rotational) of the bearing 110 with respect to the tray 120, thereby eliminating the chances of dislocation of the bearing 110 from the tray 120.
[45] It is to be noted from the aforesaid description that the first curved end 113a and the first curved portion 121a, the second curved end 113b and the second curved portion 121b, the first cut-out 113c and the first radial extension 123c, the second cut-out 113d and the second radial extension 123d, the first peg 115a and the first aperture 127a1, and the second peg 115b and the second aperture 127b1 function in pairs. Thus, the disposition, shape and dimensions of two corresponding mating components of each such pair are complementary. Any alteration in disposition, shape or dimension of any one mating component in such a pair is to be replicated to the corresponding mating component of that pair.
[46] According to an embodiment, the first curved end 113a, the second curved end 113b, the first cut-out 113c, the second cut-out 113d, the first peg 115a, and the second peg 115b of the bearing 110 may be formed by laser cutting or carving the bearing 110 using any optimal machining process. Similarly, the first curved portion 121a, the second curved portion 121b, the first sliced surface 123a, the second sliced surface 123b, the first radial extension 123c, the second radial extension 123d, the first slot 127a, the second slot 127b, the first aperture 127a1 and the second aperture 127b1 of the tray 120 may be formed by laser cutting, or carving the tray 120 using any optimal machining process. Though, in the depicted embodiment, various components of the bearing 110 and the tray 120 are described as integrated structures, it should be understood that in another embodiment, one or more components of the bearing 110 and the tray 120 may be separate components coupled to the bearing 110 and tray 120 (or any components thereof) using a suitable coupling mechanism. For example, the first peg 115a and the second peg 115b may be bonded or welded to the bearing 110. Similarly, the first radial extension 123c and the second radial extension 123d may be bonded or welded to base 121 (or to the wall 123).
[47] 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. An implant (100) comprising:
a. a bearing (110) comprising:
i. a raised platform (111) comprising a first cut-out (113c) and a second cut-out (113d);
ii. a first peg (115a) provided in a space defined by the first cut-out (113c); and
iii. a second peg (115b) provided in a space defined by the second cut-out (113d); and
b. a tray (120) coupled to the bearing (110), the tray (120) comprising:
i. a base (121);
ii. a wall (123) extending from the base (121) towards a top end (120a) of the tray (120) and defining a space configured to receive the raised platform (111);
iii. a first radial extension (123c) configured to fit within the first cut-out (113c);
iv. a second radial extension (123d) configured to fit within the second cut-out (113d);
v. a first slot (127a) provided on the first radial extension (123c), the first slot (127a) comprising a first aperture (127a1) provided at a first end of the first slot (127a) and configured to receive the first peg (115a); and
vi. a second slot (127b) provided on the second radial extension (123d), the second slot (127b) comprising a second aperture (127b1) provided at a first end of the second slot (127b) and configured to receive the second peg (115b).
2. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the raised platform (111) comprises a first curved end (113a) and a second curved end (113b); and wherein the base (121) comprises a first curved portion (121a) configured to mate with the first curved end (113a) and a second curved portion (121b) configured to mate with the second curved end (113b).
3. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tray (120) comprises an extension (129) extending from a bottom surface (120d) of the tray (120) towards a bottom end (120b) of the tray (120).
4. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first peg (115a) is cut partially from a bottom end (115a1) of the first peg (115a) towards a top end of the first peg (115a), forming two are more sections having a gap therebetween.
5. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second peg (115b) is cut partially from a bottom end (115b1) of the second peg (115b) towards a top end of the second peg (115b), forming two or more sections having a gap therebetween.
6. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first peg (115a) and the second peg (115b) comprises a head and a body extending upwards from the head.
7. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall (123) comprises a first sliced surface (123a) and a second sliced surface (123b).
8. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slot (127a) comprises a first opening provided at a second end of the first slot (127a), and wherein the second slot (127b) comprises a second opening provided at a second end of the second slot (127b).
9. The implant (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cut-out (113c) and the second cut-out (113d) of the bearing (110) are disposed diametrically opposite to each other, and wherein the first radial extension (123c) and the second radial extension (123d) are disposed diametrically opposite to each other.