Bone strength measuring instrument

Abstract

This invention discloses a bone strength measuring instrument, comprising: a handle; an instrument connector connected to one end of the handle, the instrument connector being adapted to connect orthopedic surgical instruments; a force detection device disposed within the handle and used to detect at least one of force and torque acting on the instrument connector; and a power supply device disposed within the handle and electrically connected to the force detection device. The bone strength measuring instrument according to embodiments of this invention has advantages such as accurate measurement and convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to a bone strength measuring instrument. Background Technology

[0002] With the aging population, the incidence of osteoporosis is increasing year by year, leading to a rapid rise in the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Bone strength is a crucial factor in determining surgical plans and selecting treatment strategies for osteoporotic fractures; therefore, accurately obtaining a patient's bone strength is of great significance.

[0003] Methods for obtaining bone strength in related technologies include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and quantitative ultrasound. DEXA indirectly reflects bone strength levels by measuring bone mineral density, but it can only explain 60%-80% of changes in bone strength. Furthermore, DEXA measurements are affected by bone size, osteophyte formation, facet joint degeneration, and aortic calcification, potentially leading to false negatives. Quantitative ultrasound, on the other hand, utilizes the principle that sound waves travel at higher frequencies and lose more amplitude when passing through denser, more elastic bone than through weaker bone. It reflects the relationship between bone microstructure, bone geometry, and bone strength by analyzing the speed of sound wave propagation through bone. However, quantitative ultrasound primarily targets the radius and calcaneus, and its accuracy in reflecting changes in bone strength in the spine or hip is relatively poor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a bone strength measuring instrument, which has the advantages of accurate measurement and convenient operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the present invention provides a bone strength measuring instrument, the bone strength measuring instrument comprising: a handle; an instrument connector connected to one end of the handle, the instrument connector being adapted to connect orthopedic surgical instruments; a force detection device disposed within the handle and used to detect at least one of force and torque acting on the instrument connector; and a power supply device disposed within the handle and electrically connected to the force detection device.

[0006] The bone strength measuring instrument according to embodiments of the present invention has the advantages of accurate measurement and convenient operation.

[0007] In addition, the bone strength measuring instrument according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force detection device is used at least to detect the axial force on the instrument joint.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument connector is rotatably mounted on the handle.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument connector is rotatably mounted on the handle via a ratchet mechanism.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force detection device is at least used to detect the rotational torque experienced by the instrument joint.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the force detection device includes a sensor and a signal conversion device. The sensor is used to detect at least one of the force and torque applied to the instrument joint and generate an analog signal. The signal conversion device is electrically connected to the sensor and is used to convert the analog signal into a digital signal.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bone strength measuring instrument further includes a wireless communication device, which is electrically connected to the power supply device and the force detection device respectively.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device is a battery.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bone strength measuring instrument further includes a force transmission shaft, which is disposed in the handle and connected to the instrument connector and the force detection device respectively.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the handle is provided with an anti-slip layer.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a bone strength measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: Bone strength measuring instrument 1, handle 10, handle housing 11, handle end cap 12, anti-slip layer 13, instrument connector 20, ratchet mechanism 21, sensor 30, power supply device 40, force transmission shaft 50, circuit board 60. Detailed Implementation

[0021] This application is based on the inventor's discoveries and understanding of the following facts and problems:

[0022] Bone strength is a mechanical property, and direct mechanical measurement of bone provides a more intuitive and accurate reflection of bone strength than indirect measurement using X-rays or ultrasound.

[0023] Orthopedic surgery involves many invasive procedures, such as milling, drilling, and opening, which provides an opportunity to directly measure the bones.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] The bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a handle 10, an instrument connector 20, a force detection device, and a power supply device 40.

[0029] Instrument connector 20 is connected to one end of handle 10, and instrument connector 20 is adapted to connect orthopedic surgical instruments. The force detection device is located within handle 10 and is used to detect at least one of the force and torque acting on instrument connector 20. Power supply device 40 is located within handle 10 and is electrically connected to force detection device 30.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will understand that the orthopedic surgical instruments include, but are not limited to, openers, awls, and taps.

[0031] Specifically, in orthopedic surgery, the orthopedic surgical instruments are mounted on the instrument connector 20. The operator holds the handle 10 and uses the orthopedic surgical instruments to perform surgical operations on the bone, such as opening, drilling, and tapping. The force between the orthopedic surgical instruments and the bone is transmitted to the force detection device through the instrument connector 20. Since the force required to perform surgical operations on the bone using the orthopedic surgical instruments varies depending on the bone strength, the bone strength can be reflected by calculating the detection value of the force detection device.

[0032] For example, when performing a circuit-breaking or drilling operation, the operator holds the handle 10 and uses the circuit opener or cone to apply axial force to the bone. The axial force between the bone and the circuit opener or cone is transmitted to the force detection device through the instrument joint 20, so that the bone strength can be reflected by calculating the force detection value of the force detection device.

[0033] During the tapping operation, the operator holds the handle 10 and applies axial force to the bone using the tap, causing the tap to rotate circumferentially relative to the bone. The axial force and circumferential rotation torque between the bone and the tap are transmitted to the force detection device through the instrument connector 20. Thus, the bone strength can be reflected by calculating the force and / or torque detection values ​​of the force detection device.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bone strength measuring instrument 1, by setting a handle 10, an instrument connector 20, and a force detection device, allows for the detection of the force on the instrument connector 20 during orthopedic surgery. This reflects the force on the orthopedic surgical instruments connected to the instrument connector 20, and thus the force between the orthopedic surgical instruments and the bone during surgical operations. This enables direct measurement of the mechanical properties of the bone. Compared to indirect bone strength measurement methods using X-rays or ultrasound in related technologies, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 can more intuitively and accurately reflect bone strength, achieving intraoperative bone strength measurement. This not only helps surgeons make real-time judgments and analyses during surgery, but also allows for the establishment of regression prediction models based on the intraoperative bone strength data, bone density, preoperative blood test results, and imaging examination results. Alternatively, it can establish a bone strength database based on the intraoperative bone strength data, recording the surgical methods and anti-osteoporosis treatment methods used by patients in the database. By following up with patients in the database, prognostic information can be obtained, and a bone strength prognostic prediction model can be established. This allows for the use of bone strength to guide the selection of surgical methods and anti-osteoporosis drugs. Ultimately, an osteoporosis treatment system based on bone strength will be established.

[0035] Furthermore, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 can realize real-time bone strength measurement during orthopedic surgery without changing the original orthopedic surgery procedure, making it simple and convenient to operate.

[0036] Therefore, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention has the advantages of accurate measurement and convenient operation.

[0037] The bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a handle 10, an instrument connector 20, a force detection device, and a power supply device 40.

[0039] In some embodiments, the force detection device is used at least to detect the axial force on the instrument joint 20. This enables the bone strength measuring instrument 1 to be used in orthopedic surgical procedures involving axial force application.

[0040] In some embodiments, the instrument connector 20 is rotatably mounted on the handle 10. This allows the instrument connector 20 and the orthopedic surgical instruments connected to it to rotate together when the handle 10 rotates in one direction, while the instrument connector 20 and the orthopedic surgical instruments connected to it will not rotate when the handle 10 rotates in the other direction. This facilitates the operator in performing orthopedic surgical operations that require rotation, such as tapping.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the instrument connector 20 is rotatably mounted on the handle 10 via a ratchet mechanism 21. This facilitates the unidirectional rotatable mounting of the instrument connector 20 on the handle 10.

[0042] Advantageously, the force detection device is used at least to detect the rotational torque experienced by the instrument joint 20. This allows the detection of the rotational torque experienced by the orthopedic surgical instruments connected to the instrument joint 20 during orthopedic surgical procedures requiring circumferential rotation, thereby reflecting bone strength.

[0043] Figure 1 A bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to some examples of the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the force detection device includes a sensor 30 and a signal conversion device. The sensor 30 is used to detect at least one of the force and torque acting on the instrument joint 20 and generate an analog signal. The signal conversion device is electrically connected to the sensor 30 and is used to convert the analog signal into a digital signal. This facilitates the output and calculation of the detection signal from the sensor 30.

[0044] Advantageously, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 also includes a wireless communication device, which is electrically connected to the power supply device 40 and the force detection device. Specifically, the wireless communication device can be a Bluetooth communication device, which can wirelessly communicate with mobile terminals such as mobile phones. This allows the bone strength measuring instrument 1 to output measurement results wirelessly, avoiding interference from wired connections during surgical procedures.

[0045] Optionally, the power supply device 40 is a battery. This facilitates powering the force detection device, eliminates the need for power supply lines, and avoids interference from power supply lines during surgical procedures.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the bone strength measuring instrument 1 also includes a force transmission shaft 50, which is located inside the handle 10 and connected to the instrument connector 20 and the force detection device. This allows the force and / or torque acting on the instrument connector 20 to be transmitted to the force detection device via the force transmission shaft 50, facilitating the force detection device's detection of the force on the instrument connector 20 and simplifying the arrangement of the internal structure of the handle 10.

[0047] More advantageously, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer surface of the handle 10 is provided with an anti-slip layer 13. Specifically, the anti-slip layer 13 can be a rubber layer. This can prevent the operator from slipping when holding the handle 10.

[0048] Specifically, the handle 10 is cylindrical. This makes it more comfortable for the operator to hold the handle 10.

[0049] The bone strength measuring instrument 1 also includes a circuit board 60. The wireless communication device and the signal conversion device are mounted on the circuit board. This facilitates circuit integration and the arrangement of the internal structure of the handle 10.

[0050] The handle 10 has a connector inside, and the sensor 30 is located on the side of the connector near the instrument joint 20. This facilitates the installation of the sensor 30.

[0051] The battery can be fitted with a protective case. This allows the battery to be protected by the protective case.

[0052] The handle 10 may include a handle housing 11 and a handle end cap 12 detachably disposed on the handle housing 11, and the battery can be replaced by removing the handle end cap 12.

[0053] The bone strength measuring instrument 1 is made of a low-temperature sterilization resistant material. The handle housing 11 can be made of metal, the handle end cap 12 can be made of plastic, and the instrument connector 20 can be made of metal.

[0054] For example, the calculation process of the detected value by the force detection device may include:

[0055] Based on the force and torque detection results, the maximum force, maximum torque, positive integral of force, and positive integral of torque are calculated in real time. Let F be the force measurement value at each moment during the tapping process. i The torque measurement value is T i The corresponding time is t i The algorithm is shown in the table below:

[0056]

[0057] The results have been validated in preliminary experiments using model bone, showing a good correlation between the maximum torque and various mechanical properties of the model bone, such as compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, compressive modulus, tensile modulus, and shear modulus. Specific correlation information is shown in the table below:

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] *Steps: A: Tap after penetrating the cortical bone; B: Tap after penetrating the cortical bone and creating a path.

[0061] **Selected tapping thread diameter, unit: mm**

[0062] Other components and operations of the bone strength measuring instrument 1 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0064] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bone strength measuring instrument, characterized in that, include: handle; An instrument connector is connected to one end of the handle. The instrument connector is suitable for connecting orthopedic surgical instruments. The instrument connector is rotatably mounted on the handle via a ratchet mechanism. A force detection device is provided inside the handle and is used to detect at least one of the force and torque applied to the instrument joint. The force between the orthopedic surgical instrument and the bone is transmitted to the force detection device through the instrument joint. A power supply device is located inside the handle and is electrically connected to the force detection device. The instrument connector is rotatably mounted on the handle.

2. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force detection device is used at least to detect the axial force on the instrument joint.

3. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force detection device is used at least to detect the rotational torque experienced by the instrument joint.

4. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force detection device includes a sensor and a signal conversion device. The sensor is used to detect at least one of the force and torque applied to the instrument joint and generate an analog signal. The signal conversion device is electrically connected to the sensor and is used to convert the analog signal into a digital signal.

5. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless communication device, which is electrically connected to the power supply device and the force detection device respectively.

6. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply device is a battery.

7. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a force transmission shaft, which is located inside the handle and is connected to the instrument connector and the force detection device, respectively.

8. The bone strength measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the handle is provided with an anti-slip layer.

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