Concept and simulation of an alternative design for an orthopaedic shoulder implant

For a first-time glenohumeral arthritis patient, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is an option where the shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial humeral head that articulates against a cup attached to the glenoid. A patient with rotator cuff deficiency can undergo reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) where the components are switched. Presented here is a concept design at simulation stage which offers a platform-based implant where either a system can be assembled and implanted for TSA or a reverse system for RTSA. Platform components and the glenoid baseplate have been designed as part of this concept stage. Modular components are also described as part of the concept, which can influence a patient’s range of motion (ROM), as well as the effect of implant positioning within the patient. A 42 mm hemisphere is used as the articulating component providing a good balance between ROM, joint load and deltoid force. The most suitable material concluded for the concept design TSA was as follows: grade 5 Ti–6Al–4V for the humeral stem and baseplate and CoCrMo with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for the metal-on-polymer bearing surface. Finite element analysis concluded that the concept prosthesis is able to withstand an impact force of six times bodyweight from a forward fall. A dynamic fatigue test concluded that the expected lifetime of the concept polymer bearing surface is 33 years.