Snap-fitting, non-dislocating hip joint socket implant

[0002] This is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/160,746 filed on Sep. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,034 (Oct. 24, 2000). The benefit of the same is claimed under 35 USC 120, and the specification of that application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In general, this invention concerns a one-piece, monolithic plastic enarthrodial type joint socket implant, useful in arthroplasty. More particularly, it concerns certain innovative modifications in the polyethylene acetabular prosthesis which is commonly used to replace the socket side of the hip joint in total replacement arthroplasty, specifically designed for use without metal backing and employing a suitable cement such as a polymethylmethacrylate surgical cement to stabilize the replacement component. As an implant for conventional total hip replacement, for example, it can include some significant features: 1) a cementable outer surface with, for example, an array of protrusions, which set the limited depth to which the implant can be inserted into the acetabulum, preferably, the protrusions being of a dove tail type, with there being present a series of grooves in addition; 2) a snap-fitting inside cup containment, which extends further than hemispherical about the corresponding implanted femoral ball so that dislocation is less apt to occur, which also has cut-outs in critical areas of the cup that provide for not only a nearly if not fully natural range of motion but also protection from leveraged dislocation.

[0004] Early on in the procedural history of total hip arthroplasty, all polyethylene acetabular replacement components were designed without metal backing and were routinely stabilized with cement. The outer cemented surface of the component was provided with shallow, cement-adhering irregularities of some sort, usually in the form of narrow and shallow circumferentially oriented channel indentations. The spherical prosthetic, head-containing dimension of the socket part of the implant was commonly limited to less than a hemisphere in the interest of avoiding premature, motion-induced abutment of the prosthetic femoral neck against an otherwise overly extended marginal outlet of the implant which would obstruct the functional range of rotational joint motion and induce the associated propensity for anterior or posterior dislocation of the replaced joint.

[0005] The not infrequent occurrence of latent procedural failure owing to implant loosening associated with degradation and separation of the cemented bone-prosthetic interface led to the introduction and subsequent use of metal-backed polyethylene acetabular components in the early 1980s for the intended purpose of ameliorating the incidence of this complication. The metal-backed part of the composite component was made available with either a porecoated acetabular interfacing surface that depended on latent bone growth to stabilize the prosthesis with the patient's acetabulum or without a porous coated surface that required cement fixation to provide implant stability.

[0006] In the meantime, the reduction in the spherical marginal extension of the implant to less than a hemisphere is, of course, accompanied by a commensurate reduction in the overall depth of the prosthetic head-constraining socket, and, consequently, the replaced hips remained vulnerable to the propensity for postoperative dislocation. Early in the 1970s, an attempt was made to counter this complication by extending the spherical continuation of the socket margin a bit beyond a hemisphere, i.e., sufficient enough to provide a snap-fitted containment with the prosthetic femoral head. In this initial concept of a snap-fitted articulation, the marginal extension was distributed evenly around the total circumferential margin of the socket outlet. As a consequence of problems that were associated with an articular constraining arrangement of this sort, the concept of a snap-fitted articulation was then abandoned after a short period of use. However, the continuing problem of postoperative joint dislocation has been addressed more recently by other innovators who have designed the acetabular component with a superiorly positioned, non-snap-fitted marginal extension for the purpose of merely providing a structural block against dislocation. Nevertheless, in the art of metal-backed acetabular cups, a polyethylene insert in the multi-component, metal-backed acetabular cup was developed with a snap-fitting arrangement with cut-out rims. See, BioPro, Inc., “PSL Physiological Stress Loading Total Hip Replacement System Utilizing the Horizontal Platform Supported Concept and the Cox Comb Acetabular Component,” 1991; BioPro, Inc., “PSL Physiological Stress Loading Total Hip Replacement System Utilizing the Horizontal Platform Supported Concept,” 1997. That insert, which has marginal cut-outs and was developed to eventually include a snap-fitting hood arrangement, contains, however, a smooth back save one round, centrally located button protruding therefrom, and a dovetail slot in an elevated rim portion, which smooth back rests against the smooth inside of the metal backing and which button projects through a hole in the metal backing and which dovetail slot is snap locked into a corresponding male post on the metal backing to assist in fastening the insert component to the metal backing component. Note, both BioPro, Inc. references, at pages 4 (FIGS. H, I); and the 1997 BioPro, Inc. reference, at page 7 (Coxcomb Acetabular Cups, illustration).

[0007] Drawbacks to the heretofore listed, variable methods of designing and fixation of an acetabular replacement component are multifactorial and are generally enumerated as follows:

[0008] First, the nature and distribution of the shallow irregularities on the cemented outer surface of the polyethylene component makes it technically difficult, if not impossible, to assure a maximally efficient implant-stabilizing, bone-to-prosthesis cement mantle, i.e., a cement mantle that is symmetrically distributed to provide a consistently even and adequate thickness of cement throughout the total dimension of the bone-prosthesis interfacing interval.

[0009] Second, acetabular components which are designed with a femoral head-constraining marginal outlet that is reduced to less than a hemisphere are prone to postoperative dislocation. Although a relatively infrequent occurrence, postoperative dislocation of a replaced hip is an inordinately serious and disheartening complication. Aside from the severe discomfiting and emotional effect of the ordeal on the patient and surgeon alike, this complication has a substantial adverse impact due to the not insignificant costs associated with the required added surgical intervention and hospital care.

[0010] Third, polyethylene acetabular components that were designed with a complete circumferentially extended snap-in marginal outlet produced yet an earlier premature stage of marginal abutment against the neck of the femoral component, and an associated, commensurate reduction in the range of rotational motions, which in turn induce the propensity for a “leveraged-out” anterior or posterior joint dislocation, notwithstanding the snap-fitted arrangement. Furthermore, repetitive, motion-induced abutment between the femoral neck and the extended acetabular margin, particularly with rotary joint motions, resulted in erosive degradation of the repetitively traumatized, overextended margins of the acetabular cup outlet, consequentially producing yet another source for the proliferation and the associated detrimental effects of foreign body debris.

[0011] Fourth, cemented metal-backed acetabular components have had no demonstrable salutary effect on the incidence of implant loosening complications.

[0012] Fifth, long-term experience with the use of uncemented porecoated metal-backed components, although shown to be effective in stabilizing the implant, has demonstrated a substantive acceleration in the rate of polyethylene wear, and an associated significant increase in the incidence and severity of debris-induced periprosthetic osteolysis, occasionally with catastrophic consequences to the patient.

[0013] Sixth, the concept of a superiorly oriented, non-snap-fitted marginal extension of the implant, although reasonably effective in reducing the incidence of dislocation if properly aligned, is highly technique-dependent, i.e., relative to the appropriate rotational positioning of the extended head-restraining implant rim. This is specifically relevant to the inability to predetermine with any absolute degree of certainty as to whether a given hip is, or will be, vulnerable to an anterior versus a posterior joint dislocation. For instance, an inadvertent, erroneously suspected propensity for anterior dislocation that is managed by a precautionary antero-superiorly positioned rim extension may result in a marginally unguarded posterior dislocation, or vice versa.

[0014] It would be desirable to overcome such drawbacks and provide an improved socket implant, the lack and need for which is of long standing in the art. It would be especially desirable to be able to apply improvements to the human hip.

[0015] In general summary, the present invention provides an improved enarthrodial type joint socket implant, useful in arthroplasty. In a particular embodiment, illustrative of the invention with a complement of beneficial features, it pertains to certain specific modifications in the design configuration of former and current other polyethylene acetabular hip components, for example, for total conventional hip replacement, which not only enhance the proficiency and longevity of the stabilizing bone-prosthetic cement mantle in the interest of extending the survivorship longevity of the acetabular component, relative to the time to failure of the arthroplasty procedure, but also provide a secure snap-fitted articulation that produces the desired effect of guarding against the propensity for postoperative dislocation while at the same time allowing for a normal functional range of motion of multi-planed joint motion.

[0016] The invention addresses or overcomes the foregoing drawbacks.

[0017] A first part of the present invention, in general, concerns a modified surface configuration of the cement-fixable outer wall of the component that is designed with small widely dispersed cement spacer elevation members to assure an optimally proficient implant-stabilizing cement mantle which is universally consistent in thickness and technically routine to implant. The small spacing members may be of any configuration and vary in height so long as they are sufficiently high to provide an appropriately thick cement mantle. A preferred embodiment concerns rectangularly-oriented cement spacer elevation members in block form, with dove tailed configuration, which may be machined in, and which, aside from assuring an appropriately distributed cement mantle, also provides a more secure, interdigited physical fixation with the cementing material, for example, polymethylmethacrylate.

[0018] A second general part of the invention, particularly pertinent especially to conventional hip replacement acetabular cup prostheses, can concern an innovative snap-fitted arrangement of the head-restraining marginal outlet of the acetabular component. One feature of this second general part of the invention pertains to posterior and anterior “cut outs” of the implant to particularly avoid premature impingement against the prosthetic femoral neck, thus allowing a normal, non-dislocating range of unobstructed external and internal rotation of the hip. Although, if left uncompromised, a reduction in the marginal extension of the implant rim in these areas would ordinarily provoke a propensity for dislocation, this has been effectively addressed by a second feature of this second general part of the invention. This second feature pertains to a marginally extended continuation of the superior one-half or so of the cup containment that is of a sufficient magnitude to reduce the overall dimension of the socket outlet to less than a hemisphere, which, as a consequence, reconstitutes the desired advantages of a snap-fitted articulation without incurring the aforementioned listed disadvantages associated with other attempts to provide a snap-fitted arrangement by the means of a complete, uninterrupted circumferential extension of the marginal head constraint.

[0019] Advantages of the aforementioned first general part of the present invention include the following: 1) the design-related improvement in the physical mode of cement fixation and the technical ease of providing an appropriate, evenly distributed and universally thick cement mantle should ameliorate, or at the least, decelerate, the process of implant loosening complications and prolong the time to failure of the acetabular component; 2) a commensurately thicker polyethylene component can be accommodated by eliminating the space-occupying thickness of a metal-backed container; and 3) a reduction in the rate of polyethylene wear and the associated incidence and severity of debris-induced periprosthetic osteolysis, a commonly cited cause of premature implant loosening and related complications. Also, 4) an ability to effectively employ a socket implant made solely of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which, when cemented as the present invention can provide and eliminating metal-to-bone contact, may reduce the rate or incidence of implant loosening due to the substitution of the metal with the more resilient implant and cement, and consequent lessening of bone resorption at the implant-bone interface. In addition, 5) avoiding the use of expensive metal-backed part in the component substantially reduces the overall cost of the replacement procedure.

[0020] Advantages of the aforementioned second general part of the invention arise from the beneficial effect associated with the appropriately positioned marginal cut-outs and in addition the superior extension of the socket outlet in the prevention of dislocation. Aside from the provision for a snap-fitted socket arrangement, the superiorly oriented rim extension produces an appropriately localized and extended “hood” that, in an by itself, provides an effective mechanical block against either antero-posterior or postero-superior dislocation, which are the commonly encountered directional modes of this complication. Concurrently, the strategically positioned posterior and anterior cut-out indentations augment the avoidance of dislocation by allowing a normal range of anterior and posterior hip rotations.

[0021] Numerous further advantages attend the invention.

[0022] The drawings form part of the specification hereof. With respect to the drawings, the following is briefly noted:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an enarthrodial type socket implant of the invention, embodied as acetabular cup, particularly adapted for a human cotyloid cavity, i.e., acetabulum, for conventional total hip replacement.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the cup of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cup of FIG. 1, at a stage of incomplete construction, looking into its ball-receiving cup.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cup of FIG. 1, completed.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the cup of FIG. 1, taken along 5—5 as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of a portion of the cup as depicted in FIG. 5, taken from within the detail circle 6.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the cup of FIG. 1, receiving a corresponding conventional femoral ball from below, and stably cemented to suitable hip bone stock, which is shown in section.

[0030] FIG. 8 is an elevational isometric view of the cup of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the cup of FIG. 1, from the opposite general direction as depicted in FIG. 8, but slightly from the bottom.

[0032] The invention can be further understood by the present detail which may be read in view of the drawings. The same is to be taken in in an illustrative and not necessarily limiting sense.

[0033] Although the joint of interest may be another enarthrodial joint, the invention is described primarily with respect to and preferably is the hip. For example, the joint of concern may be the human hip joint.

[0034] With reference to the drawings, features generally common to socket implants of the invention 100 (FIGS. 1-9) for a total conventional hip replacement, which may be referred to as a head-receiving socket implant cup 100 include supporting body 101, and articular surface 110 which is smooth, and a cementable, mountable back surface 120. The articular surface 110, when the cup 100 is suitably mounted in suitable receiving stock such as human cotyloid cavity bone 7 such as by cementing with a methacrylate surgical cement 8, mates in articulating, gliding contact with the smooth external surface the femoral head implant when surgically mounted (FIG. 7). Thus, the acetabular head-receiving cup 100 can be provided with its outer, acetabular-facing surface 120 having built-in, dovetail-sided 121 elevated block spacers 122, which assure both an evenly distributed and concentrically thick cement mantle and, concurrently, a secure cement interdigited prosthetic surface. Central elevated block or button 123, which may be circular and with or without grooves, also may be dovetailed. Grooveless, circumferential areas 124 between the blocks 122 may be present. Grooves 125, for example, being about 0.020-inch in depth such as depicted with respect to the cup 100 in detail by depth 125D (FIG. 6) with a 0.015-inch radius in the bottom thereof, also can help in cementing. Antero-inferior and postero-inferior marginal extensions of the implant component 100 have been reduced by cut-out margins 126 to not only accommodate the anterior anatomical indentation of the socket containment and avoid an unsupported, non-contained peripheral “hang-over” of the cup rim anteriorly which could compromise the latent stability of the cup 100 but also to minimize the potential for premature abutment of the postero-inferior aspect of the rim against the opposing femoral neck with external rotation and/or adduction of the hip. The marginal rim cut-outs 126 can be at 30-degree angles. Appropriate intraoperative technical placement of the marginal rim cut-outs 126 in relation to rim top 127, which is angled, for example, with the rim top 127 at a 30-degree angle, may be assured by identifying the designated superiorly positioned rim of the component with a small, squared surface rim projection 127P. Elevated or thickened rim portion 128 is also present.

[0035] Generally peculiar to the acetabular cup 100 for total conventional hip replacement, in addition to the foregoing, is its snap-fitting ability. Such is generally provided through hood 129, which provides for a greater than hemispherical embrace of the corresponding femoral component ball implant. However, as mentioned herein, with the cut-outs 126, a stable, full range of motion is not compromised by the snap-fit-providing hood 129.

[0036] The socket implant of the invention can be made of any suitable material which, however, preferably is made of plastic. Advantageously, the socket implant of the invention is UHMWPE.

[0037] In general, the cup 100 is made by known methods. In particular, the UHMWPE cup 100 is made by methods which include computer-assisted machining and cutting of a UHMWPE blank, which, for example, may employ a 0.375-inch ballnose cutter 50; a 1.528-inch length 51 may be referenced (FIG. 3). Sterilization of the socket implant typically follows.

[0038] Dimensions of the head-receiving cup may vary as needed for a particular application. For instance, with the UHMWPE acetabular head-receiving cup 100 component as a prosthetic part of a total conventional hip joint, the cup 100 can be supplied in several femoral ball accommodating dimensions, for example, in 28-mm and 32-mm dimensions, and, for further example, the following dimensions listed in inches, with ±0.010-inch tolerances unless otherwise noted, may be encountered in total conventional replacement joints sized in millimeters (mm) with the UHMWPE cup 100, for the 28-mm size ball-receiving cup 110 (FIGS. 1, 2 & 5):

[0039] dimensions 130, 133 & 134 are spherical radii, and dimension 153 refers to that dimension before cutting side angles; and the following dimensions in inches, with ±0.010-inch tolerances unless otherwise noted, may be encountered in total conventional replacement joints sized in millimeters (mm) with the UHMWPE cup 100, for the 32-mm size ball-receiving cup 110 (FIGS. 1, 2 & 5):

[0040] Common to these cups 100 are these dimensions (FIGS. 1-3, 5):

[0041] and these dimensions in the particularly sized cups 100 indicated above can be considered as typical.

[0042] Various other sized cups can be made in the practice hereof.

[0043] The cups of the invention can be implanted by generally known surgical methods. A suitable surgical cement is employed.

[0044] The present invention is thus provided. Various combinations and subcombinations and features may be practiced with or without reference to other combinations, subcombinations and/or features, alone or in combination, in the practice of the invention, and, moreover, numerous further adaptations and modifications can be effected within its spirit, the literal claim scope of which is particularly pointed out as follows: