Hip joint replacement navigation system and method

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved system and method for providing proper alignment of a patient's anatomy and hip joint components during hip replacement surgery is provided. In another embodiment, a hip joint navigation tool is provided that includes an anatomical joint surface with a bone-engaging portion. A registration tool is also provided that is coupled, e.g., removably, to the anatomical joint surface. A rotatable member is provided for rotation about a non-vertical axis when the tool is attached to a bone adjacent the hip joint and the registration tool is coupled to the anatomical joint surface. An anatomical structure-engaging probe is coupled to the rotatable member for rotation about the axis and is translatable so that the probe can be brought into contact with multiple anatomical landmarks during surgery. An inertial sensor is coupled to the probe to indicate an orientation relative to the landmarks, the sensor being disposed at a different orientation relative to the horizontal when the probe is in contact with the landmark.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Incorporation by reference of prior applications] Any or all applications claiming foreign or U.S. priority are identified on the application data sheet filed herewith, which includes U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 683,167, filed Aug. 14, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 761,617, filed Feb. 6, 2013. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in accordance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.57.

[0002] This application is directed to the field of hip joint replacement, and more particularly, to surgical instruments and methods for guiding the pre-treatment of bone in connection with surgical instruments.

Background Art

[0003] Hip joint replacement surgery is common and has become increasingly common over the years. One problem that continues to exist with hip joint replacement surgery is the relatively high incidence of improper placement of the cup component and the ball component of the artificial hip joint components. For example, the cup component is optimally positioned in a particular alignment with a plane including the rim of the acetabular fossa of the pelvis. For a variety of reasons, an unacceptably high percentage of patients have the cup component of the artificial hip joint outside the range of alignment with this plane.

[0004] Unfortunately, the misalignment can lead to immediate dislocation of the hip joint within one year of the implantation surgery. This is particularly problematic because it can take months to recover from hip joint surgery. Patients who undergo revision soon after the initial implantation will surely be dissatisfied with their care and will undergo additional redundant surgeries. Of course, all surgeries carry some risk. Those improper outcomes are not satisfactory for the patient and, overall, are not useful for the healthcare system.

[0005] Furthermore, in cup placement during complete hip replacement surgery, the inclination and anterior tilt angles are relative to the anterior pelvic plane (defined as the plane formed by the two anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS) and the pubic symphysis). While these anatomical features are visible / palpable when the patient is in the supine position, the majority of total hip replacement surgeries are performed via a posterolateral approach with the patient in some lateral decubitus position. In this case, many of these landmarks are inaccessible and not visible. Historically, navigation for posterior approach hip replacement surgery has been performed by recording the anatomical features of the anterior pelvic plane. Once the patient is initially in the supine position and this plane is recorded by a navigation computer, the patient is moved to the lateral decubitus position to perform the hip surgery. This allows navigation to be performed directly against the recorded anterior pelvic plane. This approach to hip navigation is a suboptimal method for the flow of surgery. This is because the extra movement of the patient from supine to lateral position takes up more time for surgeons and staff, requires breaking sterility, and necessitates re-draping. This is one of the key reasons why hip navigation is not adopted by the majority of the market.

[0006] Furthermore, altered leg length is a common patient condition resulting from hip replacement surgery and is a common cause of medical malpractice lawsuits arising from hip replacement surgery. Some hip replacement surgeries require accurate measurement of the patient's leg length and joint offset, and since these measurements are often difficult to visualize using conventional equipment, there is an opportunity to improve surgeons' ability to perform these measurements using computer technology. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] There is a need for improved systems and methods to provide proper alignment between the patient's anatomical structure and the components of the hip joint during hip replacement surgery. This could include techniques for determining one or more anatomical landmarks, such as separate anatomical structures and / or planes containing multiple points. This could also include techniques for verifying the alignment between the anatomical landmarks and the components of the artificial joint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for navigating hip replacement surgery is provided. This method involves advancing a first portion of a fixture into a portion of the pelvis. In some techniques, the portion of the pelvis is an anatomical landmark. In other techniques, the portion of the pelvis is not a landmark. At least one inertial sensor is connected to the fixture. A second portion of the fixture is moved relative to the first portion so as to consequently contact, for example, multiple anatomical landmarks. This may include contacting, for example, two or three landmarks. The cup portion of the replacement joint is positioned within the acetabular fossa by referring to a plane calculated based on data from at least one of the multiple inertial sensors.

[0009] In another embodiment, a hip joint navigation system is provided. This system includes a fixture, a first inertial navigation device, and a second inertial navigation device. The fixture has an anchor portion adapted to be positioned on the hip joint, for example, at an anatomical landmark. The fixture also has a landmark acquisition probe connected to the anchor portion. The probe is movable with at least three degrees of freedom. The first inertial navigation device is configured to be fixed to the patient's pelvis to track pelvic movement. The first inertial navigation device is immovably connected to the pelvis. The second inertial navigation device is connected to the landmark acquisition probe. The landmark acquisition probe can move to contact a plurality of landmarks. The inertial navigation device determines the orientation of the plane of the acetabular fossa based at least partially on the positions of a plurality of anatomical landmarks.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for navigating hip replacement surgery is provided. The patient's first hip joint is positioned on the operating table, and the second hip joint is positioned away from the operating table, thereby aligning the anterior pelvic plane upright (e.g., vertically). A fixture is connected to the bone adjacent to the second hip joint. The fixture has a movable orientation guide. An inertial sensor is connected to the orientation guide. In some embodiments, the orientation guide may be the arm of a recording probe. The orientation guide is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the operating table. The orientation of the inertial sensor is recorded as an indication of the orientation of the anterior pelvic plane. When the anterior pelvic plane is vertical, the inertial sensor may indicate the plane of the operating table, which is perpendicular to the anterior pelvic plane. The cup of the artificial hip joint is positioned in the acetabular fossa, referring to the orientation of the anterior pelvic plane based on the orientation of the inertial sensor.

[0011] In another embodiment, a system is provided for determining orientation data in connection with hip joint surgery. This system includes a data acquisition module, a calculation module, and a user interface module. The data acquisition module is configured to receive inertial data from an inertial sensor. The calculation module is configured to provide one or more angles of a proxy acetabular plane relative to the anterior pelvic plane based on the inertial data. The user interface module is configured to output a user interface configured to communicate the orientation data to the user. One or more of these modules are executed by one or more processors.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method for navigating hip replacement surgery is provided. The patient is positioned for a posterior or posterolateral approach. A fixture is connected to the bone adjacent to the hip joint. The fixture includes a landmark acquisition probe, which has an inertial sensor connected to it. The patient's condition can be assessed, and based on that condition, a selection can be made between a first set of landmarks and a second set of landmarks. The first set of landmarks can be positioned on the acetabular rim. Multiple landmarks can be positioned away from the acetabular rim. The orientation of the inertial sensor can be recorded when the landmark acquisition probe is in contact with each of the selected multiple points. The cup of the artificial hip joint is positioned in the acetabular fossa with reference to the recorded orientations for the selected multiple points.

[0013] In other approaches, a method is provided for navigating surgery on the hip joint. At least one aspect of the hip joint is characterized preoperatively. The patient is positioned for a posterior or posterolateral approach. A fixture is connected to a bone adjacent to the hip joint (e.g., part of the pelvis). The fixture has a landmark acquisition probe with an inertial sensor connected to it. The orientation of this inertial sensor is recorded when the landmark acquisition probe is in contact with each of several landmarks. The cup of the artificial hip joint is positioned in the acetabular fossa with reference to the recorded orientation and at least one estimate of the anterior tilt angle and inclination angle. The estimate of those angles may be based on the preoperatively recorded characterization of the hip joint. The recorded orientation may be the orientation of the inertial sensor when the probe is in contact with each of the landmarks.

[0014] In another embodiment, a method for navigating hip replacement surgery is provided. This method includes positioning the patient for a posterior or posterolateral approach. A fixture is coupled to the socket of the patient's acetabulum, and the fixture has engaging surfaces formed to closely bond with the bone contour of the acetabulum of a particular patient. The fixture includes recording features configured to be oriented to a predetermined orientation with respect to the anterior pelvic plane of the patient when the fixture is thus coupled. An inertial sensor is coupled to the recording features so that the inertial sensor generates a signal indicating at least one angle with respect to the anterior pelvic plane. The cup of the artificial joint is positioned based on this signal.

[0015] In another embodiment, a patient-specific fixture system for hip replacement surgery is provided. This fixture system includes an engagement surface and recording features. The engagement surface is formed to tightly bond with the contour of the acetabular bone of a particular patient. The recording features are configured to be oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the anterior pelvic plane of the patient when the fixture is coupled to tightly bond with the contour of the acetabular bone of a particular patient.

[0016] In another embodiment, a method for replacing a hip joint is provided. This method involves connecting a limb that forms part of a patient's hip joint to a trackable member. This limb moves to at least four points located away from the neutral position of the hip joint. The four points include at least one medial range, at least one lateral range, at least one anterior range, and at least one posterior range within the patient's range of motion. During the movement step, data indicating the displacement from the neutral position to each range is collected from the trackable member. The socket components of the artificial hip joint are positioned in the acetabular fossa. The stem of the femoral component of the artificial hip joint is positioned in the proximal femur. The ball of the femoral component is positioned within the socket components. In this method, when the artificial hip joint is in the neutral position, the stem axis connecting the center of rotation of the ball and the center of gravity of the stem in the mouse of the socket component is in the central region between the at least four ranges. At least one of the positioning steps is performed using indication of the position and / or orientation of the stem axis relative to the central region.

[0017] In the system described above, the inertial navigation device can be replaced by, or supplemented by, one or more cameras for monitoring distance, linear position, or angular position.

[0018] In the system described above, the inertial navigation device can be replaced by, or supplemented by, one or more cameras for determining the spatial position of a tracker connected to an instrument such as a stylus. In such a system, the fixture can be simplified, for example, without requiring any movable parts.

[0019] In some modifications of the methods discussed in this specification, patient data can be used to improve the accuracy of the orientation of components such as the plane of the acetabular fossa. Patient data may include CT, MRI, X-ray, or other preoperative planning data.

[0020] In another embodiment, a hip navigation fixture is provided, comprising a platform, a cannula coupling device, and a recording fixture mounting feature. The cannula coupling device is positioned on the platform and configured to allow a cannula to be detachably coupled to the bottom surface of the platform. The cannula is configured to detachably couple the bone adjacent to the hip joint with the platform. The recording fixture is positioned on the platform. The hip navigation fixture includes the recording fixture. The recording fixture includes an upright member, a rotatable member, and a probe. The upright member is configured to be detachably coupled to the platform by the recording fixture mounting feature. The rotatable member is coupled to the upright member for rotation about a non-vertical axis when the fixture is attached to the bone adjacent to the hip joint and the upright member is positioned substantially vertically. The probe has a tip for engaging with anatomical structures. The anatomical structure engaging tip is located at the distal end of an elongated body coupled to the rotatable member for rotation about an axis. The orientation and position of the probe's elongated body can be adjusted so that the anatomical structure-engaging tip is in contact with multiple anatomical landmarks during landmark acquisition procedures.

[0021] Although the platform can have any shape or structure, in some embodiments it is elongated, for example, including a first end and a second end. When the navigation fixture is applied to a patient, the first end can be configured to be oriented downwards, and the second end can be configured to be oriented upwards. If the platform is elongated, the cannula connector can be positioned adjacent to the first end, and it can be located below the second end when placed on a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula connector can be detachably connected to the bottom surface of the platform. The recording fixture mounting feature can be positioned on the top surface of the platform, adjacent to the first end. The first end can also be a lower end just above the surgical field, or a lower end in the upper portion of the surgical field.

[0022] In other embodiments, a hip joint navigation tool is provided that includes an anatomical joint surface having a bone engagement portion. A recording tool coupled to the anatomical joint surface, such as a recording tool removably coupled to the anatomical joint surface, is also provided. When the tool is attached to a bone adjacent to the hip joint and the recording tool is coupled to the anatomical joint surface, a rotatable member for rotation about a non-vertical axis is provided. An anatomical structure engagement probe is coupled to the rotatable member for rotation about the axis and is translatable to enable the probe to contact a plurality of anatomical landmarks during surgery. An inertial sensor is coupled to the probe to indicate an orientation associated with the plurality of landmarks, and when the probe contacts the plurality of landmarks, the sensors are disposed in different orientations relative to the horizontal direction.

[0023] Those features, aspects, and advantages, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages, are described below with reference to the drawings. This is intended to be illustrative but not limiting of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals consistently denote corresponding features throughout similar embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a hip joint navigation system applied to a patient, illustrating the measurement of leg length and / or joint offset after implantation of an artificial hip joint. [Figure 2] An image of the anatomical structure of the hip joint, illustrating some examples of anatomical landmarks that can be used in a method of navigating an artificial hip joint by the navigation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] A view showing a first anatomical landmark, in this case a navigation base assembly coupled to the ilium on the patient's pelvis. [Figure 4] A perspective view illustrating a first orientation detection device and a second orientation detection device coupled to the base assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] A perspective view of a navigation system illustrating a technique for synchronizing a plurality of orientation and / or position detection devices of the navigation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the navigation system of FIG. 1 connected to the pelvis, illustrating the step of recording landmarks on the femur before resection of the femur. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an optional step of synchronizing the anatomical structure after resection of the femoral head and a plurality of inertial sensors of the navigation system. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the step of recording anatomical landmarks disposed with respect to the acetabular rim on the pelvis. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the step of recording other anatomical landmarks disposed with respect to the acetabular rim of the pelvis. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating an initial placement of an impactor in the acetabular fossa. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This is an exploded view of an assembly showing a tilt / rotation mechanism adapted to allow the camera to track at least one rotational position. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates a modification system configured to navigate posterior approach hip replacement surgery. [Figure 17A] This diagram illustrates a modification system configured to navigate posterior approach hip replacement surgery. [Figure 17B] This diagram illustrates a modification system configured to navigate posterior approach hip replacement surgery. [Figure 17C-1] This diagram illustrates a modification system configured to navigate posterior approach hip replacement surgery. [Figure 17C-2] This diagram illustrates a modification system configured to navigate posterior approach hip replacement surgery. [Figure 18] This figure illustrates anterior approach hip replacement surgery and a hip replacement navigation system configured for various aspects of such surgery. [Figure 19] This figure illustrates anterior approach hip replacement surgery and a hip replacement navigation system configured for various aspects of such surgery. [Figure 20A] This figure illustrates anterior approach hip replacement surgery and a hip replacement navigation system configured for various aspects of such surgery. [Figure 20B] This figure illustrates anterior approach hip replacement surgery and a hip replacement navigation system configured for various aspects of such surgery. [Figure 21A] This figure illustrates anterior approach hip replacement surgery and a hip replacement navigation system configured for various aspects of such surgery. [Figure 21B] This figure illustrates anterior approach hip replacement surgery and a hip replacement navigation system configured for various aspects of such surgery. [Figure 22]This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 23] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 24] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 25] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 26] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 27] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 28] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 29] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 30] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 31] This figure illustrates various embodiments of a method that includes a customized, patient-specific positioning fixture. [Figure 32] This diagram illustrates a method for defining a patient-specific safety zone during hip joint repositioning surgery. [Figure 33] This figure shows an embodiment of a system for short-range optical tracking. [Figure 34] This diagram illustrates various anatomical landmarks that can be used in a variety of ways, including navigating by landmarks. [Figure 35] This diagram illustrates various anatomical landmarks that can be used in a variety of ways, including navigating by landmarks. [Figure 36]This is a pre-operative image that can be used to improve positioning in hip replacement surgery by providing patient-specific data. [Figure 37] This is a diagram of a hip replacement surgery navigation system applied to the pelvis in a posterior approach. [Figure 38] This is a diagram of a hip replacement surgery navigation system applied to the pelvis in a posterior approach. [Figure 39] Figures 37-38 show a modified hip replacement surgery navigation system applied to the pelvis in an anterior approach. [Figure 40] Figures 37-38 show a modified hip replacement surgery navigation system applied to the pelvis in an anterior approach. [Figure 41] This figure illustrates a first embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 41A] This figure illustrates a first embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 42] This figure illustrates a second embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 42A] This figure illustrates a second embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 42B] This figure illustrates a second embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 43] This figure illustrates a third embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 43A] This figure illustrates a third embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Figure 43B] This figure illustrates a third embodiment of the pin fixing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Various systems and methods that can be used to improve patient outcomes by increasing the possibility of proper hip joint positioning are discussed below. These systems may focus on inertial navigation techniques, short-range optical navigation, or a combination of inertial and optical navigation.

[0026] [I. Hip joint navigation using inertial sensors] The systems and methods described below can improve the placement of a prosthesis using navigation in relation to referencing multiple anatomical landmarks, and incorporate specially adapted preoperative fixtures based on a combination of imaging and landmark referencing. These hip replacement surgeries generally guide the prosthesis to an orientation within the acetabular fossa that minimizes the possibility of dislocation due to impingement of the femoral neck over the bone around the cup or acetabular fossa, or other reasons related to the suboptimal orientation of the prosthesis. Various techniques utilize the population average of appropriate placement, while others accept patient-specific modifications. Similarly, various techniques for recording and confirming the position and / or orientation of the femur before and after implantation are discussed in this specification. This is useful for controlling leg length and joint offset at the end of surgery.

[0027] [A. Navigation using multiple inertial sensors and fixtures for referencing anatomical landmarks via a posterior approach] Currently, the majority of hip replacement surgeries are performed via a posterior approach. In this approach, the patient is positioned to the side, with the anterior pelvic plane oriented perpendicularly, for example, perpendicular to the plane of the operating table on which the patient is positioned. Many surgeons performing hip replacement surgeries are familiar with this approach and will immediately recognize the innovative advantages in terms of anatomical orientation when the patient is in this position.

[0028] [1. Apparatus and methods for posterior approach hip replacement surgery] Figures 1 and 4 show the hip joint navigation system 100. This hip joint navigation system 100 is configured to navigate hip joint surgery by referencing anatomical landmarks without requiring preoperative imaging or other inputs, except those discussed below, although these do not necessarily need to be excluded. The hip joint navigation system 100 attached to the pelvis in a posterior approach is shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows an early stage of surgery after the hip joint navigation system 100 has been attached to the pelvis, before the joint has been dislocated. Figure 1 shows a later stage of some modifications of the technique to which the hip joint navigation system 100 is adapted. As will be further discussed below, such modifications include recording the femur before and after the joint is replaced to confirm the relative position and / or orientation of the femur, e.g., leg length, joint offset, and rotational orientation of the femoral neck.

[0029] The hip joint navigation system 100 includes a recording jig 104, a positioning assembly 108, and a landmark acquisition assembly 112. The positioning assembly 108 is rigidly connected to the hip joint in the illustrated structure, so that hip joint movement causes corresponding movement of sensors in the positioning assembly 108, as discussed below. Detecting this movement allows the hip joint navigation system 100 to rule out patient movement as a cause of navigation errors. The landmark acquisition assembly 112 provides a maximum range of controlled movement and, in cooperation with the sensors in the positioning assembly 108, a maximum range of sensors capable of tracking movement. Additional details of the system, apparatus, sensors, and methods are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,118,815; U.S. Patent Application No. 2010 / 0076505; and U.S. Patent No. 8,057,479, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as a whole for all purposes. The sensors in the alignment assembly 108 and the landmark acquisition assembly 112 preferably transfer data between them, and in some cases wirelessly transfer the data to external devices and monitors using Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, or other standard wireless telemetry protocols.

[0030] The recording jig 104 includes a fixation cannula 124 having a distal end, which can be advanced into the pelvic bone at an anatomical location, an anatomical landmark, or another selected location. In the illustrated technique, the fixation cannula 124 is fixed by a pin 132 that is driven into the ilium on the pelvis through the fixation cannula 124 (as seen in Figure 3). The distal end 128 of the pin 132 is shown in Figure 1.

[0031] As will be discussed below, the fixation cannula 124 can be connected to other bones in other techniques by a posterior approach. For example, the fixation cannula 124 can be connected to the ischium or pubis in other techniques. In some techniques, the fixation cannula 124 is attached to the pelvic bone rather than a landmark. The hip joint navigation system 450 discussed below in relation to Figures 17-17B can be used so that the fixation member 466 is connected at a point above the uppermost point on the acetabular rim. In certain techniques, the fixation member 466 is approximately 10 mm above the uppermost point on the acetabular rim. In such techniques, three or more anatomical landmarks located around the acetabulum can be acquired as will be discussed below. When the fixation cannula 124 is connected to a landmark, two additional landmarks are acquired in some embodiments as will be discussed below. In other modifications, a clamp can be used to connect to a bone without requiring the pin 132 to be driven into the bone through the fixation cannula 124. For example, if the bone is thinner in the area where system 100 is to be fixed, placing the pin may be disadvantageous. Figure 2 shows the area where a clamp can be used below point "A" on the ischium. One reason for attaching or clamping the fixation cannula 124 away from the landmark is that the landmark may not be visible or accessible before dislocating the hip. If the clinician wants to use system 100 to reference the femur (as discussed below), attaching or clamping the fixation cannula 124 away from the landmark may be necessary.

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates the stages toward the end of a navigated hip joint transplant surgery, which are discussed in detail below. Several preceding stages include the stage of removing the joint to be replaced, the stage of navigating the hip joint, the stage of preparing the implantation site for the prosthesis, and the stage of positioning the joint, as will be discussed in detail below. As will be discussed further below, Figure 1 illustrates the techniques for ensuring that these stages are performed correctly.

[0033] Figure 2 shows several anatomical structures related to the various methods and systems of the present invention. In some embodiments, the navigation system 100 is configured to determine appropriate anatomical features to assist in the proper placement of the artificial hip joint. For example, a plane including at least a portion of the patient's acetabular rim can be located using the system 100. In reality, the acetabular rim may not be flat due to the development of osteophytes. In other words, in relation to the present invention, determining an anatomical plane, for example, estimation of the plane, can be an approximation of the actual topography, and the plane may include substantial fragments, such as a large portion of the acetabular rim surface, or several other methods for estimating appropriate anatomical features. Preferably, the determined anatomical landmarks are used to confirm the correct placement of at least the cup, preferably the correct placement of the complete artificial hip joint.

[0034] Figure 2 also illustrates several anatomical landmarks that can be used to approximate the acetabular rim or other planes associated with the acetabular rim. In many patients, the acetabular rim is not well defined due to injury, the progression of arthritis, or other conditions. Therefore, approximating the acetabular rim for those patients involves calculating a plane in system 100 that may refer to most or all of the actual acetabular rim, but may not include most or all of the actual acetabular rim. The defined plane is located adjacent to the acetabular rim, but more importantly, it has known anterior and posterior tilt angles with respect to the anterior pelvic plane. For example, three points can be used to estimate the plane of the acetabular rim. In one technique, some or all of the points illustrated in Figure 2 are used.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 2, the three landmarks are defined as "A," "B," and "H." Landmark "H" is located on the ilium, at a distance from the acetabular rim sufficient to avoid irregular bone growth due to injury, progression of arthritis, or other conditions, for example, 1 cm above the uppermost point on the acetabular rim. Landmarks "A" and "B" can be located on the ischium and pubis, respectively, and can similarly be spaced away from the acetabular rim to avoid the injured / affected area. Each of these landmarks is preferably sufficiently close to the acetabular rim. However, they are sufficiently close to the acetabular rim because they are within the standard open area, e.g., the area exposed by surgical resection. Other landmarks that may be used include the anterior insertion point of the transverse acetabular ligament relative to the ischium, the midpoint of the inferior surface of the acetabular notch, the anterior superior iliac spine, the anterior inferior iliac spine, the convergence of the acetabular fossa and anterior inferior iliac spine, and other landmarks illustrated in Figures 34 and 35. In the techniques discussed below, the ilium, pubis, and ischium are all used to determine the acetabular rim. The navigation system 100 has one or more processors that receive data and determine the relative positions of those (or other) anatomical landmarks from those points. The data can be generated by a plurality of inertial sensors or by other types of sensors, as discussed throughout this specification. Preferably, the sensors are small enough to be mounted in or within a portable housing, or small enough to be embedded in an instrument. The navigation system 100 preferably also includes a recording device to store, at least temporarily, the position or appropriate orientation data of those points.

[0036] Figure 3 shows further details of the recording jig 104 and further embodiments of the method of navigating the artificial hip joint. The proximal end of the pin 132 is connected to or positioned above the platform 136. The platform 136 is configured to connect to the alignment assembly 108 and / or the landmark acquisition assembly 112. As shown in Figure 1, the platform 136 can be connected to both the alignment assembly 108 and the landmark acquisition assembly 112 simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 136 includes a rigid bar fixed to the proximal end of the pin 132 and / or the cannula 124. The platform 136 includes a plurality of mounting features 140A and 140B, for example, mounting features at each of the two lateral ends 144A and 144B of the platform. Mounting feature 140A is configured to allow non-rotating mounting to the alignment assembly 108.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates that the recording jig 104 is configured for use in left and right hip surgery, for example, having a dedicated mounting feature 140A for each hip joint. Preferably, the mounting feature 140A provides a post spaced away from the hip joint to be treated, thereby allowing the alignment assembly 108 to be mounted as far away from the hip joint as possible. Figure 5 shows the alignment assembly 108 on this post and another exposed post. The exposed post is not used during the hip surgery illustrated in Figure 5. However, if the patient's other hip joint is to be treated, the platform 136 will be oriented in the opposite direction, and the exposed post in Figure 5 will be connected to the alignment assembly 108. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the platform 136 extends between two mounting posts, and each of the two mounting posts can be dedicated to a hip joint on one side of the patient's medial-lateral midplane.

[0038] Mounting feature 140B allows for rotational mounting of the landmark acquisition assembly 112. For example, mounting feature 140B may include a rotatably mounted fixture 148. The fixture 148 protrudes upward to a free end configured to couple with an orientation detection device, as discussed below. The fixture 148 allows a memory arm, such as an elongated member 224, as discussed below, to be tilted downward so that it contacts multiple landmarks at different heights.

[0039] In one technique, the recording fixture 104 is pre-assembled and driven within a suitable anatomical landmark, for example, the ilium. In another technique, the anchor fixture can be mounted offset from the landmark to be acquired. The ilium will be identified in advance by conventional means, for example, by radiography, or by resection and visual inspection of the pelvis. In one technique, the cannula 124, pin 132, and platform 136 are separable, so that the pin is positioned later and the platform 136 is connected to the pin. The cannula 124 can be connected to other landmarks in various modifications.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates further stages of various technologies. For example, the alignment assembly 108 can be connected to a mounting feature 140A. In one embodiment, the alignment assembly 108 includes a rigid extension 160, which is adapted to be detachably attached to the mounting feature 140A. The rigid extension 160 has a first end 164 and a second end 168. The second end 168 is detachably attached to a surgical orientation device 172, which detects the orientation and rotation of the surgical orientation device 172 with respect to a reference coordinate system. The surgical orientation device 172 preferably includes at least one sourceless sensor, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination of these sensors and other sensors. In one preferred embodiment, the orientation device includes a three-axis accelerometer for detecting orientation relative to gravity and a plurality of gyroscopes for detecting rotation. Other sensors can be used in various modifications. Specific sensor combinations include, among many, the ADIS 16445 from Analog Devices and the MPU-6050 or MPU-9150 from InvenSense. In other approaches, the orientation device 172 may be disposable, and therefore, the sensor is preferably a less expensive sensor. The sensor on the landmark acquisition assembly 112 is reusable in some structures, and therefore, a more expensive, more robust, or more accurate sensor may be incorporated.

[0041] The first end 164 of the detachable extension provides various functions. The first end 164 has a device for engaging the mounting feature 140A in a secure but detachable manner. The engagement between the rigid extension 160 and the platform 136 minimizes or prevents relative movement between them to avoid any mechanical relative movement during navigation surgery. Thereafter, the movement of the orientation device 172 corresponds to the movement of the hip joint. The first end 164 also has a docking device, which provides a stable and controlled method for positioning the landmark acquisition assembly 112 relative to the orientation device 172, as will be discussed further below.

[0042] Figure 4 also illustrates that the landmark acquisition assembly 112 can be securely coupled to the platform 136, for example, at the mounting feature 140B. In one embodiment, the landmark acquisition assembly 112 includes a gimbal-type fixture 200 and an orientation detection device 204. The gimbal-type fixture 200 includes a coupler 208 for detachably coupling to the mounting feature 140B of the platform 136. The coupler 208 is rotatably connected to a slide support 212. The slide support 212 includes a slot that allows for a slidable extension of an elongated member 224. This slidable extension allows the range of motion of the distal end 228 of the elongated member to facilitate the acquisition of multiple landmarks, which are at different distances from the mounting position of the cannula 124, as will be discussed further below. In other words, the distal end 228 can extend away from the axis of the slide support 212 or retract to a position close to the axis of the slide support 212.

[0043] Figures 4 and 6 illustrate the mobility of the landmark acquisition assembly 112 relative to the platform 136 between two positions. In Figure 4, the elongated member 224 is swung around an axis that can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula 124, so that the distal end 228 moves away from the first end 164 of the extension 160. This constitutes the movable structure of the gimbal-type fixture 200. In addition to the rotation made possible by the pivot connection between the coupler 208 and the slide support 212, a rotatably mounted joint 148 allows the elongated member 224 to rotate around an axis that is not parallel to the axis of the cannula 124. The axis of rotation of the joint 148 can be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the slide support 212. This rotatability allows the distal remainder 228 of the elongated member 224 to rotate downward until it contacts the anatomical landmark, as discussed above. Furthermore, the sliding capability of the elongated member 224 within the sliding member 212, as discussed above, allows the distal end 228 to move to reach anatomical landmarks on the same plane, but to approach or move further away from the distal end of the cannula 124 or pin 132. Figure 6 shows the distal end 228 of the elongated member 224 positioned at a higher height or closer to a platform 136 for referencing multiple landmarks, for example, on the lateral surface of the femur.

[0044] Figure 4 also shows that the distal end 228 includes an inclined length, which allows the elongated member 224 to avoid small irregularities at a height adjacent to recorded anatomical landmarks. Such irregularities may be normal anatomical structures, or they may be osteophytes or various types of irregular bone growth.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates the stopping structure 260 of the landmark acquisition assembly 112. In particular, a portion of the elongated member 224 is moved into a latch 262 located at the first end 164 of the upright extension 160. The stopping structure 260 allows the navigation system 100 to manage errors that may be mixed in several inertial sensors. For example, in one embodiment, the gyroscope sensors in the orientation device 172 and the orientation detection device 204 can be synchronized when a stable, well-known orientation is detected. Then, one or more gyroscopes, for example, the gyroscope of the orientation detection device 204, can be set to zero after the condition is met. Further techniques employed in the stopping structure 260 will be discussed further below. As will be discussed further below in relation to system 450, some fixtures have recording points adjacent to the distal end of the anchor fixture or the bone connection site. System 450 allows for accurate acquisition of landmarks based solely on the accelerometer operating in the orientation detection device 204 in one mode. In such a mode, the recording features can, for example, provide a function similar to a stop structure to improve the accuracy of the detection device in the system.

[0046] Other examples of the stopping structure of system 100 can be provided. For example, the stopping structure advantageously includes the ability to stably position and hold the orientation device 172 and orientation detection device 204, as there is substantially no relative movement. In one approach, the orientation detection device 204 is mounted on the rigid extension 160. Other arrangement configurations may include mounting posts on the platform 136 adjacent to the rigid extension 160.

[0047] When error control is not an issue, the stopping structure 260 can still be useful in preventing unwanted shaking or other movements in the field of surgical procedures.

[0048] In one basic method, the fixture described above is connected to the pelvic bone, the system 100 becomes a stop structure 260, and the sensors are initialized. Initialization may include synchronizing at least two sensors. In some cases, initialization may include setting one or more sensors to zero. In this context, “setting to zero” is a broad term that includes methods for eliminating accumulated errors in the system, methods including any form of sensor reset, and / or methods for ensuring that data from other devices is reliable for at least a certain period of time in one device.

[0049] Figure 6 illustrates an arbitrary stage of acquiring femoral landmarks in connection with hip replacement surgery. The hip joint is positioned in a neutral flexion / abduction position. The landmark acquisition assembly 112 is a retractable structure 266 in which an elongated member 224 is moved by sliding a sliding support 212 to adapt to a relatively short distance from, for example, the platform 136 and the proximal femoral landmark. In one technique, the tip of the distal end 228 is in contact with a portion of the greater trochanter or other portion on the proximal femoral. After the landmark has been found and / or contacted, the clinician may mark the femur Fm, such as a bovie mark, pen mark, suture, or other durable marking. When the tip of the distal end 228 is in contact with the desired landmark, the navigation system 100 processes data from one or more sensors and stores the orientation of one or more centers in the orientation detection device 204. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the elongated member 224 is provided with a scale 226 indicating the position of the tip of the elongated member 224, for example, relative to a cannula 124, or to some other suitable fixation feature of the patient or system 100. By providing a scale 226 to be read by a clinician, the system is simplified and cost-effective.

[0050] After any of the steps illustrated in Figure 6, the proximal thigh can be excised to remove the original ball.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates, in one advantageous technique, that the user returns the system 100 to the stop structure 260. This step may optionally depend on the timing of femoral resection and the sensors. At this position, the sensors in orientation detection devices 172 and 204 can be initialized again, for example, set to zero. As discussed above, this is one technique to minimize the accumulation of errors in some inertial sensors. By providing this optional step, inexpensive sensors can be used, thereby enabling the system 100 to achieve highly accurate hip replacement while generally helping to manage costs for patients, healthcare institutions, and healthcare management systems.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates a first extension structure 264 provided in the stage where a second anatomical landmark is acquired or referenced after proximal femoral resection. In particular, an elongated member 224 can be extended and rotated by a fixture 148 to make contact with the appropriate landmark. In one technique, contact is made between the distal end 228 and the ischium. To provide maximum accuracy, this contact may be made within a short period of time, for example, during 20 seconds after being released from the stop structure 260. Once contact is made, the system 100 is configured to store the orientation of the sensing device 204. In one configuration, the orientation is stored after a button on the orientation device 172 or other direct means is pressed. In addition to acquiring the orientation, position values ​​are input into the system. For example, a scale 226 on the elongated member 224 can be read by the user, and the value of that scale is input into the system. In one technique in which the scale 226 is read and input by the user, the orientation device 172 has a user interface having an input device for inputting such variables. As can be seen in the drawings, the scale 226 can actually be two different scales, the two scales of which are used for the retractable structure 266 and the extended structure, respectively. Alternatively, the scale 226 can extend along the entire length of the elongated member 224 to provide a wider range of positions that can be read by a clinician or system, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0053] The extended structure 264 is configured such that the distal end 228 of the elongated member 224 contacts an anatomical landmark located between the medial cranial-caudal plane of the patient and the acetabular fossa of the pelvis.

[0054] Depending on the sensors used and the timing of the landmark acquisition stage in Figure 8, the user can return the system 100 to the stop structure 260, or initialize the system 100 again, or set it to zero.

[0055] Figure 9 illustrates a second extension structure 272 provided after proximal femoral resection, at a stage in which a third anatomical landmark is acquired or referenced. In some techniques, the third anatomical landmark can be acquired before the second anatomical landmark. In the second extension structure, the distal end 228 of the elongated member 224 is moved to contact a landmark such as the pubic bone. To provide maximum accuracy, this contact may be provided within a short period of time, for example, during 20 seconds after being released from the stop structure 260. Once contact is made, the system 100 can store the orientation of the sensing device 204. The orientation can be stored by pressing a button or other user interface device. In some techniques, the orientation and position are input into the system. For example, a scale 226 on the elongated member 224 can be read by a user, and the value of the scale is input into the system. In one technique in which the scale 226 is read and input by a user, the orientation device 172 has an input device, such as a user interface, for inputting such variables.

[0056] The extended structure 272 is configured such that the distal end 228 of the elongated member 224 contacts an anatomical landmark located on the anterior side of the acetabular fossa.

[0057] Once multiple landmarks are acquired, the system 100 can determine the bearing of three landmarks, including the bearing of the mounting position of the cannula 124, if the pin is attached to the appropriate landmark. The system can calculate the orientation of the orientation device 172 with respect to a plane containing those three landmarks (or, in other ways, three or more landmarks from other groups). From this, various post-processing can be performed. For example, the orientation (anterior tilt and / or abduction) can be adjusted based on means of knowing the orientation of a plane containing those three landmarks (or, if used, three or more other landmarks) from an anatomical reference plane of the pelvis.

[0058] One variation of system 100 allows the user to select from among several sets of landmarks for use in the above calculation. The method discussed above utilizes the use of three points from the acetabular rim. These points are less affected by localized protrusions on the acetabular rim that may result from disease or deformity. Therefore, they have a low probability of requiring unplanned work during surgery. On the other hand, other sets of landmarks can be selected so that the acetabular rim is freed from deformity. This may be confirmed before surgery. For example, two or three points can be selected on the acetabular rim for landmark acquisition. Landmarks on the acetabular rim are advantageous in that they are easier to access through small excisions. For example, points on the acetabular rim may include the center of the posterior insertion of the transverse acetabular ligament, the center of the anterior insertion of the transverse acetabular ligament, and the uppermost point on the acetabular rim. A group of anatomical landmarks including one or more landmarks other than the acetabulum may include the ilium (in which recording fixture 104 or other anchor members may be inserted), the lowest point of the ischium in the acetabular groove, and the process of the superior pelvic ramus.

[0059] Some techniques involve referring to a fourth point. The fourth point can be used in connection with several forms of patient-specific records. The fourth point may be located elsewhere than the acetabulum, or it may be located on the acetabular rim. An example of an anatomical landmark is the acetabular notch. Other landmarks are discussed in this specification, for example, in relation to Figures 34 and 35.

[0060] The posterior approach system is advantageously configured to allow for intraoperative selection between points on and outside the acetabular rim. For example, the acetabular rim may appear deformed preoperatively but show a different condition when exposed, allowing the surgeon to select a set of landmarks other than the acetabular rim.

[0061] Various techniques can be employed to improve the accuracy of the relationship between multiple detected landmarks and the locations of calculated anatomical features, such as the anterior pelvic plane or the angle of the acetabular fossa. For example, user input indicating whether the hip joint to be treated is on the patient's left or right side, and whether the patient is male or female, can be collected. More accurate estimations of the model can be provided based on the characterization of the research group. For example, the hip joints of a group of patients aged 30 and older can be studied to confirm the correspondence between features that can be accessed by one approach and more surgically relevant anatomical features that cannot be accessed. The target group can be studied for multiple demographic features, such as sex, age, weight, height, or other variable in the people concerned. For those subgroups, correlations or transformations can occur between measured parameters and parameters that cannot be measured but are desirable to know. Once such correlations or transformations are established, the transformation of measured features into useful but unmeasurable features can be achieved by manipulating software on the processor. This software can be programmed to calculate tilt and anterior tilt based on one or two angles, for example, a recorded pelvic plane such as a surrogate acetabular plane. Such a system can be used to generate in real time the angle of a freehand instrument relative to the anatomical structure, for example, the acetabulum, when positioning the hip socket components.

[0062] Furthermore, data from preoperative imaging or positioning (discussed below) can be used to improve the accuracy of those calculations. Therefore, the posterior approach system is preferably configured to allow the user to input data directly by activating a button on the orientation device 172, by connecting an auxiliary data storage device such as a flash memory device to the system, or by other means of communication with the system, including Wi-Fi® connection, Bluetooth® connection, and Internet connection.

[0063] In some techniques, the posterior approach system described herein is adapted to determine, monitor, and verify appropriate leg length and joint offset results in hip replacement. For example, system 100 can calculate and store components of a leg length criterion, e.g., a vector along the superior-inferior axis (leg length) and / or a vector along the medial-lateral axis (offset). In one approach, device 172 has a display indicating when the femur is in the same position before and after surgery. For example, it can display "zero (0)," meaning there is no displacement that would cause a change in leg length. "Zero (0)" indicates that there is no movement of the femur further away from the cranial-caudal midplane of the patient before and after surgery. For improved accuracy, multiple points, e.g., three points, can be acquired and / or marked on the femur. These points can be spaced apart by an amount sufficient to provide increased accuracy. These points can be used to verify the proper placement of the femur in abduction, rotation, and flexion.

[0064] One improvement involves referencing the femoral neck to ensure that the femur rotates and positions correctly after hip transplantation. For example, it may be desirable to ensure that femoral features such as the greater trochanter are in the same rotational orientation with respect to an axis extending through the center of rotation of the femoral head and perpendicular to the plane of the acetabular fossa. To ensure substantially unchanged rotational orientation after transplantation, system 100 can record one or more points on the femoral neck before and after transplantation, for example, three points. (Discussed below in relation to Figures 18-21) Three points that are easy to use from either a posterior or anterior approach are the greater trochanter, the lesser trochanter, and the insertion of the obturator externus muscle.

[0065] The aforementioned steps are several steps that can be used to determine and memorize various parameters that are beneficial in a navigated hip replacement surgery. After some or all of those steps have been performed, in one embodiment, the acetabular fossa can be prepared to receive the cup. For example, the acetabular fossa can be widened in a conventional manner. In some embodiments, the reamer can be coupled with an orientation device including an inertial sensor to guide the reaming process. This is discussed in some detail in US2010 / 0076505, issued on March 25, 2010. For this purpose and for all disclosures contained herein, this application is incorporated by reference to its entirety.

[0066] Figure 10 shows that after reaming, the impactor 300 can be used to position the cup of the artificial hip joint. The impactor handle 304 can be positioned in an approximate, precise orientation. For example, the longitudinal direction of the impactor is positioned perpendicular to the plane navigated above or a plane determined based on the navigated plane. Figure 10 shows that the initial positioning is performed when the system 100 is considered to be a stop structure 260. The impactor 300 can be substantially aligned at this point based on visual inspection. As part of the steps illustrated in Figure 10, or immediately thereafter, the sensor can be initialized, for example, set to zero, as discussed above.

[0067] Figure 11 shows that in a later stage, the orientation detection device 204 can be detached from the proximal end 230 of the elongated member 224 and then connected to the impactor 300. Preferably, this step is performed while the impactor 300 is positioned on the hip joint in proximity to proper alignment. In other embodiments, a third detection device similar to the orientation detection device 204 can be connected to the impactor and, for example, pre-mounted on the impactor, and the data collected above is transferred to the third device. The impactor 300 and the detection device 204 comprise a cup orientation navigation system. Preferably, the impactor 300 has a cylindrical shell 312, the cylindrical shell 312 is movable relative to the internal shaft 316 of the handle 304. The shell has a docking device 320, the docking device 320 can receive the docking device of the detection device 204. The mobility of the shell helps to isolate the detection device from the force transmitted through the impactor 300. These forces are applied by a mallet or other device for forcibly moving the cup into place. By providing at least some force isolation between the shell 312 and the sensing device, the impact on the sensor in the sensing device 204 can be reduced. Excessive force applied to the sensing device 204 can cause it to become inoperable, for example, until it is synchronized with device 172.

[0068] Figure 11A illustrates a further embodiment of the impactor 300A. In this further embodiment, the movement of the shell 312A is mitigated by a plurality of spring members 340, 344, which are configured to absorb at least some of the impact shock of the impactor 300A. The impactor 300A is also configured to be modified to suit any of a plurality of hip prostheses. For example, a plurality of end-effectors 348 can be provided in a kit in which each end-effector is attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the shaft 316A of the impactor 300A.

[0069] Figures 11B and 11C show detailed distal features of the impactor 300A. In particular, the tip component 348 is detachable from the shaft 316A of the impactor 300A. Figure 11C shows that the tip component 348 may have a recess 352 formed on its proximal side and an engagement device 356 formed on its distal side. The recess 352 may comprise a plurality of flat sections 350A corresponding to a plurality of flat sections 350B on the distal end of the shaft 316A. The plurality of flat sections allow the recess 352 to slide proximal-distal on the distal end of the shaft 316A. Preferably, a retaining device or other mechanism is provided between the tip component 348 and the shaft 316A so as not to drop the tip component from the shaft. These flat sections prevent the tip component 348 from rotating relative to the shaft 316A. The engagement device 356, in one embodiment, is threaded so that the cup 360 of the artificial hip joint can be screwed onto the distal end of the tip component 348. The sliding engagement of the tip component 348 on the shaft 316A is important. This is because the impactor 300A is intended to be used with prosthetic hips from various manufacturers. In many cases, the cup 360 will have a pattern of holes for securing the cup to a prepared acetabular fossa. This prepared acetabular fossa is manufacturer-specific and required by anatomical structure. Their flat surfaces allow for many individual, alternate relative angular positions of the tip component 348 (and therefore the cup 360) relative to the shaft 316A. Multiple grooves or long axial ridges 346 on the outer surface of the tip component 348 allow the user to securely grasp the tip component for attaching it to and removing it from the shaft 316A.

[0070] Figure 12 shows the cup orientation placement navigation assembly of Figures 11A-11C adjacent to an anatomical structure. This drawing also illustrates a freehand navigation structure 274. In this navigation 274 structure, at least orientation devices 172 and 204 allow for a 6-degree movement relative to each other. Any of the modifications of Figures 11A-11C may be used instead in the illustration. In particular, the handle 304 is oriented as desired. In one embodiment, the system 100 displays the angle of the cup relative to the navigated plane in real time, which is obtained as discussed above. The angles that can be displayed include, for example, one or more of anterior tilt and abduction. Preferably, the clinician can confirm the position of the cup within a short period of time, for example, within about 20 seconds. In one embodiment, the displayed angle can be adjusted by about 40 degrees of abduction and about 20 degrees of anterior tilt. The angles are not critical and they relate to the range of foot movement. It is preferable to be close to those angles, as the movement in abduction and anterior tilt extends to either side of those angles. The system discussed in this application is thought to be able to increase the proportion of patients in the “safe zone” close to those angles, which is typically described as within 10 degrees of those angles. In contrast, studies show that conventional techniques have an impact on approximately 50% of multiple patients outside the “safe zone.”

[0071] Depending on the timing of the sensor and the cup placement step in Figure 12, the user can reattach the detection device 204 to the elongated member 224, return the system 100 to the stop structure 260, and initialize or set the system 100 to zero.

[0072] System 100 can be configured to provide pre- and / or post-operative angle estimates for the angle of the operating table. In a posterior approach, the patient is positioned to one side. In this approach, there are more opportunities for the patient's position to shift during surgery. In one embodiment, an alignment rod can be connected to a sensing device 204 and aligned with the plane of the operating table. When aligned in this manner, the orientation of the sensing device 204 is recorded in the system. Later in the surgery, one or more angles are calculated based on the assumption that the pelvis does not move and are displayed to the user. At such a later stage, the orientation of the sensing device 204 can be checked against the surgery again to provide information on whether the patient has moved. If significant movement occurs that breaks the assumption that there is no movement, some or all of the landmark acquisition stages can be repeated. Alternatively, pelvic movement can be tracked and corrected by the sensing device. Methods for incorporating the orientation of the operating table by landmark acquisition are discussed in more detail below.

[0073] The user can position the artificial joint ball of the replacement hip in the proximal thigh, and then position the ball within the cup, which is then appropriately oriented using the techniques discussed above.

[0074] Figure 1 shows that the user can then optionally verify the orientation and / or leg length using the system 100. The leg with the assembled prosthetic hip is positioned in a neutral flexed and / or abducted and / or rotated position. The acquisition assembly 112 can be positioned in the retractable structure 266. The distal end 228 of the elongated member 224 can be brought into contact with a landmark which may be the same landmark acquired in Figure 6. Once contact with this landmark (e.g., Bobby Mark) is made, the orientation of the sensing device 204 is determined by the system 100. The distance indicated by the scale 226 of the elongated member 224 is also input into the system in one of the methods discussed above (e.g., manually or by sensing). The system 100 can then calculate the components of the vector along the SI axis (leg length) or the ML axis (offset).

[0075] Once leg length and offset are determined postoperatively, they can be compared to preoperative measurements (Figure 6) to inform the surgeon whether adjustments should be made before completing the hip replacement surgery.

[0076] Figures 13 and 14 show other embodiments of the hip navigation system 400 that can include any of the features discussed above. Furthermore, the system 400 includes a freehand sensor mount 404 which can be used to mount a freehand orientation device 204A in one structure. The freehand orientation device 204A preferably includes an inertial sensor similar to the inertial sensors previously described in this specification. The orientation device 204A also preferably includes a camera 412. The field of view is illustrated by a cone projected downward from the base of the freehand orientation device 204A. Figure 14 shows that the field of view includes a window 418 in the slide support 420. The window 418 allows the scale 225 to be viewed through the window 418.

[0077] Because hip replacement surgery involves an open surgical field with a substantial amount of exposed tissue and a substantial amount of blood, the camera 412's field of view relative to the scale may be obstructed. In one embodiment, a hood is provided above the window 418. The hood keeps most of the blood and tissue outside the space in which the camera views the scale. Furthermore, scrubber components, such as thin rubber members, may be provided above the scales 226 and 226A (as discussed below) to prevent tissue or fluid from entering the field of view from the side.

[0078] One advantage of system 400 is that the camera 412 can automatically process the image captured through the window 418, thereby determining the position of the elongated member 224 relative to the slide support 420. A further advantage of this is the elimination of a step from the navigation process, for example, the elimination of the need to input length dimensions into system 400. Eliminating this step can reduce time and / or the number of people in the operating room. Furthermore, the camera 412 can be configured to read at a much higher resolution than that read by a clinician. This can provide higher accuracy in the system as a whole. Not only that, the camera can be configured to make slight errors or no errors at all when reading the position. This can improve the overall results. For example, the miniature camera can produce data in JPEG format or other image formats, which can be processed so that a processor in one or both of the orientation devices 172 and 204A extracts the linear position of the elongated member 224.

[0079] Further modified embodiments are shown in Figure 15. This embodiment shows a curved scale 226A that can be positioned in a structure beneath an elongated member 224, for example, a curved scale 226A that can be positioned in a structure beneath an orientation device 204A that is rotatably fixed with respect to an axis extending outward from the page. Figure 16 shows one structure having this arrangement configuration. A pivot 440 allows the slide support 420 to rotate with respect to an axis extending upward from the page. Although the pivot 440 is fixed to this upward-extending axis, it can rotate with respect to the pivot 440. A window 418A in the elongated member 224 allows a camera to view through the support to see the scale 226A positioned on the curved or disc-shaped feature of the pivot 440. The scale 226A can be read by camera 412 or a second camera to provide precise measurement of the rotational position of the elongated member 224. This makes it possible to exclude or disable one of the multiple sensors in the orientation device 204A. In other embodiments, camera data obtained from the scale 226A can be used to verify data from the multiple sensors in the orientation device 204A. Preferably, the scale 226A has markings over a range of about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees, for example, over a range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, for example, over a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees.

[0080] [2. Rear approach system adapted for accelerometer sensitivity] Figures 17–17B illustrate another embodiment of the system 450 for navigating hip replacement surgery from a posterior approach. This system 450 includes an anchor fixture 454, a positioning system 458, and a landmark acquisition assembly 462. These components may be similar to those discussed above, and their descriptions are incorporated into this embodiment where there is no contradiction.

[0081] The anchor fixture 454 includes a hollow fixing member 466 and a platform 468 for connecting multiple devices to the pelvis. The platform 468 has a substantially T-shaped structure, which includes a first portion 468A connected to the proximal end of the hollow fixing member 466 and a second portion 468B positioned transversely to the first portion 468A. The first portion 468A further provides support for the cradle 476 discussed below. The second portion 468B may include multiple docking devices 469 for direct or indirect connection with the orientation device 172. The T-shaped structure offers the advantage that the docking devices 469 can be positioned further away from the surgical site than if the system 100 were present. This reduces any intrusion of the orientation device 172 into the working field of view.

[0082] In some cases, the fixing member 466 provides sufficient stability when fixing the system 450 to the pelvis. In other situations, the anchor fixture 454 can be connected to the pelvis from the second portion 468B. For example, a slot 470 can be formed in the second portion 468B on one or both sides of the position where the first portion 468A extends from the second portion 468B. The slot 470 can extend from the lateral edge of the second portion 468B toward the position where the first portion 468A extends from the second portion 468B. The slot 470 may include a plurality of channels 471, which are configured to receive a plurality of fixing pins (e.g., Steinmann pins) that can be advanced into the pelvis. The plurality of channels 471 extend substantially parallel to the fixing member 466. The plurality of fixing pins can be securely fixed to the second portion 468B in the plurality of channels 471 by a clamping device 472. The clamping device may include a screw configured to pull the second portion 468B toward each other on both sides of the slot 470, and thus to generate a large frictional force on the pins in multiple slots 471.

[0083] The slots 470 are preferably aligned such that a plane extends along both of the multiple slots 470 along their length. Because the multiple slots 470 are long and narrow, this plane can be easily visualized in the X-ray image. The anchor fixture 454 is preferably aligned with the pelvis such that the plane extending along the multiple slots 470 (e.g., the intersection of the medial-lateral plane and the patient's transverse central plane) is perpendicular to the patient's axis. This feature provides a convenient way to visually confirm the proper positioning of the anchor fixture 454 in one embodiment.

[0084] The fixing member 466 includes a recording feature 473, a foot portion 474 adjacent to its distal end, and a connecting portion 475 adjacent to its proximal end for connection to the platform 468. The foot portion 474 includes a plurality of spaced-apart spikes extending from its distal end. These spikes can prevent or limit the rotation of the anchor fixture 454 when the fixing portion 466 is connected to the pelvis. Figure 17 shows that fixing the fixture 462 to the pelvis may include positioning a pin or other bone engagement device through the fixing member 466. The pin and the plurality of spikes extending from the foot portion 474 can provide three or more contact points that contact the pelvis, providing secure attachment of the fixture 462.

[0085] The coupling portion 475 typically secures the platform 468 to the fixing member 466. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 475 has rotational capability, which allows the platform to be positioned at a selective position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin 466, for example, allowing the platform 468 to be initially positioned in the correct orientation, or allowing it to be moved during or after surgery to create space for other surgical instruments. One arrangement configuration provides matching splines extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixing member 466. This arrangement configuration would allow the splines on the upper part of the coupling portion 475 to be disengaged from the splines on the lower part of the coupling portion 475. When disengaged, the upper part of the platform 468 and the coupling portion 475 can rotate relative to the lower part of the coupling portion 475. The splines can then be re-engaged.

[0086] The fixture 454 includes a cradle 476 which can be used to hold the probe arm 477. The cradle 476 includes a U-shaped recess which has a width between two upright members that is approximately equal to the width of the arm 477 of the landmark acquisition system 462. Figure 17 shows the probe arm 477 in the stopping structure as discussed above. When the sensor 204 operates with components that are prone to accumulating errors, the stopping structure can be used to eliminate such errors. As discussed above, the system 450 can be configured so that the position and / or orientation of the sensor 204 relative to the orientation device 172 is known. Therefore, when the arm 477 is in the cradle 476, accumulating errors of the components of the sensor 204 can be eliminated.

[0087] Even if the detection device in sensor 204 is affected by accumulated error sources, the cradle 476 can provide other useful functions. As discussed throughout this specification, it may be desirable at some points in the surgery to use the probe arm 477 and sensor 204 to estimate the plane of the operating table on which the patient lies, in order to verify the accuracy of the system or to provide a simplified reference coordinate system that does not require landmark acquisition. As discussed above, when the fixture 454 is attached to the pelvis, if the plane intersecting the slot 470 is oriented perpendicular to the patient's axis, the cradle will be parallel to the patient's axis. When the fixing member 466 is oriented perpendicularly, the arm 477 will be parallel to the plane of the operating table when it is inside the cradle 476. The system 450 can therefore use the plane of the operating table as a reference coordinate system to guide the placement of the cup without recording landmarks. Alternatively, the plane of the operating table can be used in combination with recording the anatomical structure of the acetabular rim, as discussed above, to increase the accuracy of navigating the cup.

[0088] The cradle 476 also provides a convenient fixed position for keeping the arm 477 stationary and out of the way of other surgical instruments. Figure 17A illustrates the probe arm 477 as it is extended from the cradle 476 and moves freely to make contact with a landmark.

[0089] The fixture 454 also includes a horizontally positioned rotating feature 478. Figure 17B shows that the rotating feature 478 includes two horizontal holes 480. One of the two horizontal holes 480 is formed in the same structure that forms the cradle 476, but at a height below the cradle 476. The other hole 480 is formed between the cradle 476 and the projection of the fixed member 466. Figure 17A shows that the probe arm 477 is connected to the rotating feature 478 by a shaft 482 extending through the hole. A moving device is provided between the shaft 482 and the arm 477, thereby allowing the distal end of the arm to rotate about a vertical axis and move linearly relative to the fixed fixture 454. One axis of rotation A of the moving device is positioned parallel to the platform 468 and at a height above the platform 468. The other axis of rotation B is positioned substantially perpendicular to axis A. The sliding of arm 477 within housing C is enabled by a snug fit of the arm, or by a sliding fit of the arm. By orienting the axis of rotation A in this manner, the sensitivity of the accelerometer in sensor 204 to small angular motion reference points with respect to the acetabular fossa is increased or maximized. This enables the acquisition of landmarks by a system 450 that is simply based on the accelerometer. This is advantageous because it is not affected by accumulated errors and simplifies the landmark acquisition process. Further modifications of the system configured to enable landmark acquisition simply based on the accelerometer are discussed below in relation to the drawings.

[0090] The recording feature 473 is a convenient method for improving the accuracy of the sensor 204. In particular, in one variation of the method discussed above, the distal tip of the probe arm 477 is in contact with the recording feature 473. In one embodiment, the recording feature 473 is a notch configured to receive and temporarily hold the tip. The user can then interact with the orientation device 172 to initialize the accelerometer in the sensor 204. Subsequently, multiple points to be acquired can be brought into contact, and the orientation and position of the sensor 204 can be recorded in the system 450. Since the accelerometer is initialized in close proximity to the multiple points to be acquired, angular errors arising from errors in the accelerometer's scale factor are minimized due to the small arc from the recording feature, and therefore the accuracy of the reading is improved. For example, the fixture 454 is configured to allow the landmark acquisition assembly 458 to reach all points to be recorded by moving less than about 45 degrees from an initial or fixed position in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the jig 454 is configured to allow the landmark acquisition assembly 458 to reach all points to be recorded by moving less than approximately 25 degrees from its initial position. In another embodiment, the jig 454 is configured to allow the landmark acquisition assembly 458 to reach all points to be recorded by moving less than approximately 15 degrees from its initial position.

[0091] The jig 454 is also configured to interact well with the soft tissues positioned around the surgical site in a posterior approach. In this approach, the excision is made in the soft tissues so that the excision remains as small as possible. In one approach, the fixation member 466 is positioned at the end of the excision. When the excision is made to be as small as possible, the jig 454 can also function as a retractor. The T-shaped structure is particularly well suited to this function, as the first part 468A of the platform 468 can be received between the middle and ring fingers of the user with the second part 468B in the palm. With the foot 474 gripping the pelvis, the jig 454 can be tilted away from the platform 468 to retract the tissue away from the hip joint.

[0092] Figures 17C-1 and 17C-2 illustrate further embodiments of a posterior approach jig 454A having a mounting device 488 positioned adjacent to the distal end of the fixation member 466A. In those drawings, otherwise, it is the same as the fixation member 466. The fixation member 466A includes a tubular body 490 connected to the fixation member 466A. In this embodiment, the tubular body 490 acts as a first fixation member. The tubular body 490 extends along a lumen inclined with respect to the lumen of the fixation member 466A. The lumen of the tubular body 490 is configured to receive a fixation pin 492 which can be driven into the bone at a 90-degree angle, as shown in Figure 17C-2. The fixation pin 492 complements the fixation provided by the fixation member 466A. The fixation pin 492 can be used, for example, in the ilium, or in conjunction with an optional longer pin extending through a channel 471 as an alternative for this optional setting. The fixation pin 492 has the advantage of not requiring an additional hole in the skin, as it is located within the main excision formed to access the joint during surgery. In one embodiment, the fixation pin 492 can be threaded to engage with bone. In some embodiments, a locking device 494 can be provided to secure the fixation pin 492 within the lumen of the tubular body 490. A set screw is an example of a locking device 494 that can be used. The locking device 494 allows the fixation pin 492 to be headless. This avoids the problem of thread wear in the hole in the bone into which the fixation pin 492 is inserted.

[0093] [3. Workflow considerations for backward approach] As mentioned above, the workflow problem arises in typical hip replacement surgery, specifically because readily accessible anatomical features are unavailable in the traditional posterior approach for joint surgery.

[0094] By performing numerous CT-based studies on the human pelvis, the assignee of this application can calculate a population-based average relationship between a plurality of planes (each plane, “acetabular plane”) generated by various points in the acetabular fossa, various points on the acetabular fossa, or various points around the acetabular fossa that are accessible during posterior approach hip replacement surgery, and an anterior pelvic plane. One of several important features of posterior hip navigation for some embodiments disclosed in this specification is the capability of modules, for example, software incorporated into a processor which may be a computer, or software incorporated into one or both of the orientation device 172 and sensor 204 to calculate transformations from one reference coordinate system to another. As described in detail throughout this specification, the various points are referenced in the acetabular fossa, on the acetabular fossa, or around the acetabular fossa, and from these points the proxy acetabular plane is calculated.

[0095] Next, in one embodiment described herein, a module operable to process an algorithm can calculate a transformation from a surrogate acetabular plane to anterior pelvic plane by running software in one or both of, for example, the orientation device 172 and the sensor 204, either alone or in conjunction with a separate computer. The approach indirectly records the anterior pelvic plane without requiring direct supine recording and subsequent patient movement, as well as the need for re-draping in standard navigation. The module in one embodiment described herein can then provide the user with real-time navigation data of the orientation of a hip joint surgical instrument (e.g., impactor 300, 300A) relative to the anterior pelvic plane.

[0096] A further advantage of some of the systems described in this specification is that these systems can implement a plane transformation algorithm for calculating the anterior pelvic plane from one of several surrogate acetabular planes that the surgeon chooses to record. This allows the surgeon to have greater adaptability in the selection of landmarks for the acetabular plane to take into account the nature or accessibility of certain landmarks. For example, in cases of minimal deformity around the acetabular rim, the surgeon may choose to record several landmarks around the acetabular rim that are easily accessible. In cases of significant deformity or the presence of high osteophytes on the acetabular rim, the surgeon may instead choose to record an acetabular plane based on non-acetabular landmarks (or, as described in this specification as "non-rim") outside the rim that are not altered by disease or previous hip replacement surgery.

[0097] Examples of anatomical landmarks that can be used to generate a surrogate acetabular plane are shown in Figure 2, but are not limited to the following:

[0098] Landmarks other than the acetabulum (ischium / ilium / pubis) (A) The lowest point of the acetabular groove of the ischium (B) Process of the suprapubic ramus (G) The confluence of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and the lateral boundary of the acetabular rim.

[0099] Landmarks on the acetabular rim (E) Center of anterior insertion of the transverse acetabular ligament (F) Center of posterior insertion of the transverse acetabular ligament • (H) The uppermost point of the acetabular rim

[0100] Additional points can be combined with any of the group of points listed above. For example, in one embodiment, point "D" is used. Point D is defined as the midpoint of the inferior edge of the acetabular notch. As will be discussed below in relation to Figure 36, point D corresponds to the bottom landmark 380B used to form line 382. Point D is used in its approach to provide patient-specific improvement points for positioning.

[0101] A further important advantage of one embodiment discussed in this specification is that the aforementioned plane conversion capability increases the accuracy of the conversion between a recorded surrogate acetabular plane and an anterior pelvic plane on average data for a general population, by allowing the user to input certain patient-specific information, such as gender.

[0102] Furthermore, a given embodiment of the system including one or more orientation devices 172, sensors 204, or a separate computer may have a module that can be operated, for example by processing software, to allow a user to input an angular or planar relationship between a surrogate acetabular plane and an anterior pelvic plane measured by the surgeon based on preoperative imaging, thereby enabling partial or whole planar transformations based on patient-specific data rather than population data. As an example, the surgeon may choose to preoperatively measure angles formed by (a) several landmarks that can be viewed in both A / P pelvic X-rays and can be referenced during posterior hip replacement surgery, and (b) several landmarks that can be viewed in both A / P pelvic X-rays and are directly related to inclination measurements in the anterior pelvic plane. When this angular relationship is input to a module of the system including one or more orientation devices 172, sensors 204, or a separate computer, the module may be operated by computational processing software, the surgeon may record the landmarks described in (a), and the inclination navigation will be based on patient-specific data rather than population averages. The landmarks (D) and (H) listed above are examples of landmarks that can be seen on A / P pelvic X-rays and can be referenced to form a surrogate acetabular plane in posterior hip replacement surgery.

[0103] Those embodiments of the system adapted for posterior approach hip replacement surgery can greatly improve both workflow and precision in such surgery.

[0104] [B. Navigation using fixtures and inertial sensors for referencing anatomical landmarks via an anterior approach] [1. Device for hip navigation using an anterior approach] Figures 18–21 illustrate a hip joint navigation system 500 adapted for navigating hip replacement surgery from an anterior approach. An anterior approach to hip replacement surgery can be advantageously less invasive than a posterior approach. In particular, an anterior approach allows for smaller resections, less incision in soft tissue, and a shorter recovery time for the patient. The system 500 includes an anchoring system 504, a positioning assembly 508, and a landmark acquisition assembly 512.

[0105] Figure 18 shows the anchor system 504 in more detail. This anchor system 504 is configured to securely connect the navigation system 500 to the hip joint. This minimizes or eliminates movement between the system and the hip joint. The anchor system 504 includes a cannula 516, which has a distal end 520, a proximal end 524, and a lumen 502 extending between the distal and proximal ends. The proximal end 524 of the cannula 516 is connected to a platform 536, for example, adjacent to one of the lateral ends of the platform. The platform 536 is similar to the platform described above and has a number of docking devices 538, 538A located away from the location where the proximal end 524 and the platform 536 are connected.

[0106] The docking device 538 securely connects the sensor to the anchor system 504, but is configured to connect to a detachable mounting device that temporarily connects the sensor to the anchor system 504. The two docking devices 538 on the upper surface of platform 536 allow the anchor system 504 to be used for either left-side hip surgery or right-side hip surgery. As shown in Figure 18, the docking device 538 on the side of platform 536 closest to the patient's medial plane is preferably used for docking. The upper docking feature not used in Figure 18 would actually be used when performing surgery from the other side of the patient. The docking device 538A on the side of platform 536 is provided for temporary mounting of the sensor to platform 536 during surgery. As will be discussed further below, this temporary mounting provides a known orientation and / or position of the two sensors relative to each other during surgery. This allows system 500 to control the source of errors by certain types of sensors.

[0107] The platform 536 may also have a channel 540 positioned away from the cannula 516. The channel 540 may have a lumen positioned along an axis substantially parallel to the lumen 532 of the cannula 516. In one embodiment, the anchoring system 504 is configured to securely connect the platform 536 to the hip joint by the arrangement of two spaced-apart pins 544A, 544B. Figure 18 shows that pin 544A is advanced through the cannula 516 so that its distal end can contact and perforate a bony prominence of the pelvis. In one technique, pin 544A is positioned at the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) of the pelvis, or as close as possible to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) of the pelvis. Pin 544B is advanced into the pelvis through the channel 540 at a position offset from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The distance between pin 544A and pin 544B and the exact position of pin 544B are not important, but are determined by the position of the connection of the cannula 520 to the platform 536 and the position of the channel 540.

[0108] The pins 544A and 544B can take any suitable shape, but preferably have the same cross-sectional contour as the lumen in the cannula 520 and the lumen in the channel 540. For example, they can have a circular cross-section. The pins 544A and 544B can be improved Steinman pins, for example, pins configured to extend at least about 5 cm on the platform 536 and having a diameter of about 4 mm.

[0109] The anchoring device 504 also has a locking device 556 for securing the platform 536 to the pins 544A and 544B. In one embodiment, the portion of the platform positioned around the pins comprises an inner portion 560M and an outer portion 560L, which can move away from each other to release the pins 544A and 544B, or move toward each other to frictionally engage the pins. For example, a pair of hexagonal drive screws can engage the inner portion 560M and the outer portion 560L to translate them toward each other or away from each other, respectively. The locking device 556 is preferably quickly and easily removed from the pins, thereby allowing other instruments, such as an X-ray diagnostic device or other diagnostic equipment, to reach the vicinity of the surgical field during surgery. Preferably, the pins 544A and 544B have markings along their length, thereby allowing the platform 536 to be quickly repositioned at the same height if it is removed for imaging or other reasons.

[0110] The cannula 520 also has a foot 568 adjacent to or at the distal end 528 to minimize or eliminate errors that may arise due to the non-uniform penetration depth of the anchor system 504 when a landmark is acquired and compared with the position of the distal probe of the landmark acquisition system 512. The foot 568 may include an annular projection located on the outside of the cannula 520. Preferably, the foot 568 extends laterally from the outer surface of the cannula 520 by a distance equal to or greater than the wall thickness of the cannula 520. In some embodiments, the surface area below the foot is equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​the cannula when viewed in a cross-section at a location where the foot 568 is not located, for example, in a cross-section at a height relative to the foot 568.

[0111] The alignment assembly 508 is similar to the assembly described above. The alignment assembly 508 may have a rigid extension 570 configured to detachably fix the orientation device 172 to the docking device 538.

[0112] The landmark acquisition assembly 512 is similar to the assembly described above, but is configured so as not to be obstructed during use by anterior soft tissue relative to the patient's pelvis. In one embodiment, the extension 578 is provided to raise a pivot slide mechanism 582. The pivot slide mechanism allows the probe arm 584 to slide away from the extension 578 toward the location of the landmark to be acquired. The pivot slide mechanism 582 may be similar to any of the mechanisms discussed above. The distal end (lower end) of the extension 578 can be connected to the platform 536 in any suitable way. For example, the distal end may include a pin-shaped projection which is received in an opening 578A of the same shape, for example, by friction fit within the opening 578A. A retaining or other locking feature may be provided to securely connect the extension to the platform 536 in the opening 578A. Figure 19 shows that the opening 578A can be formed in a raised portion of platform 536 compared to a portion of platform 536 through which the pin 544A extends. This portion is raised to provide sufficient support engagement to minimize play. It also has a slot substantially parallel to the upper surface of platform 536, which serves to engage a ball-shaped retainer with the lower end of the extended portion 578.

[0113] The probe arm 584 can be configured as an elongated member having multiple markings, as discussed below. The distal end of the probe arm 584 may include an inclined tip 586, which in some techniques assists in examining precise anatomical structures, for example, examining the portion of the femur for confirmation of leg length and femoral head positioning. In a posterior approach, the inclined tip 586 is used to make direct contact with anatomical structures.

[0114] In the forward approach, the inclined tip 586 is connected to a probe extension 590 configured to contact a selected anatomical structure. The probe extension 590 has an upright member 592, which is configured to extend downward in the forward approach, between the heights of the probe 584, toward the height of the tissue to be examined. A foot 594 on the distal end (lower end) of the upright member 592 is configured to engage with the tissue in a manner that minimizes errors caused by uneven tissue compression between the mounting point of the pin 544A and the mounting point of the foot 594. For example, the foot 594 may have a cross structure that spreads the force or pressure applied by the landmark acquisition system 512 during use. The proximal end of the extension 590 includes a connector 596, which connects the distal end of the probe arm 584 to the upright member 592. Preferably, the connector 596 is easily operable by the user to correct the connection to the probe arm 584. The connecting portion may include an L-shaped member having a hole configured to receive the tip 586 of the probe arm 584. A set screw can be driven through the L-shaped portion to secure the probe arm 584 in place. The L-shaped portion is configured to connect to the probe arm 584, thereby resting the tip of the inclined tip 586 on a projection of the longitudinal axis of the upright member 592.

[0115] [2. Exemplary methods for navigating using a forward approach] The system 500 can be used to navigate from a forward approach in the following ways: The orientation device 172 and the sensor 204 can be paired to communicate wirelessly with each other. This allows one or the other of the orientation device 172 and the sensor 204 to control the other, store data from the other, and / or display information based on the signals from the other. In one way, the orientation device 172 has a display that allows the surgeon to confirm a predetermined angle based on data detected by the sensor 204. The paired orientation devices 172 and the sensor 204 can include linking them together and comparing sensor outputs between the two devices in multiple orientations, for example, horizontal, vertical, and 30-degree angles. Some of these positions can be repeated in multiple orientations, for example, a vertical orientation with the left side up, a vertical orientation with the right side up, and a vertical orientation with the top side up.

[0116] As described above, the components discussed in this specification can be provided as a kit that allows a surgeon to select between different surgical approaches, for example, between a posterior approach and an anterior approach. The orientation device 172 and sensor 204 can be operated differently in those different approaches. Therefore, in one way, the user will enter into one or both of the orientation device 172 and sensor 204 in which the approach being used will be. This will execute a software module in the orientation device 172 corresponding to the selected approach (or, in the sensor 204, a processor that executes the software is located therein).

[0117] In various embodiments suitable for forward approaches, both the orientation device 172 and the sensor 204 may have multiple power-free sensors. These components may, in some embodiments, include accelerometers and gyroscopes. Some gyroscopes are affected by accumulated errors that may be significant in the time frame in relation to their methods. Accordingly, various methods are provided to prevent such errors from affecting the accuracy and reliability of the angles displayed to the surgeon by the system 500. Some approaches can be performed by accelerometers alone. For example, a variation of the forward approach can be performed by an accelerometer with somewhat lower accuracy, although the accuracy when using only an accelerometer is acceptable. The reduction in accelerometer accuracy is balanced by the benefit of excluding accumulated errors caused by some gyroscopes. The resolution of the accelerometer is sufficient because the navigated points are relatively far apart.

[0118] The calculations performed by System 500 are specific to the hip joint being treated in some embodiments, and the system accepts input of the hip joint being treated.

[0119] The foot portion 568 is positioned at a selected anatomical location, for example, on the anterior superior iliac spine as discussed above. When the cannula 520 is oriented approximately vertically, the platform 536 is fixed to the hip joint. Fixing the platform 536 to the hip joint can be done in any suitable way, such as with two spaced Steinmann pins. The orientation device 172 and sensor 204 are then attached to the platform 536 in the manner shown in Figure 20A. Depending on the nature of the dispersed sensing devices in sensor 204, it may be advantageous to initialize the sensor at a point in this procedure. As discussed above, certain inertial sensors (e.g., some gyroscopes) are affected by accumulated errors. One technique for managing the cause of this error is to periodically initialize, or zero, this error. Some techniques involve initializing at a point in this process.

[0120] In some embodiments, a coordinate system based on the plane of the operating table can be input into the system 500. The operating table coordinate system can be a secondary coordinate system. In one technique, the sensor 204 is moved from the platform docking position in Figure 20A to a navigation position on the probe arm 584 as shown in Figure 18. The probe arm 584 is consequently rotated by the mechanism 582. Thereafter, the arm is oriented parallel to the medial-lateral central plane of the patient, and the inclined tip 586 is oriented upward (generally towards the patient's head). The probe arm 584 is also held substantially parallel to the plane of the operating table. This orientation and orientation allow the user to interact with the user interface on the orientation device 172 to send a signal to the orientation system 508 to capture the orientation of the sensor 204. This orientation provides an estimate of the orientation of the anterior pelvic plane. This estimate can be tracked in the system 500 and can alone provide an improvement over prior art in unnavigated hip replacement surgery, including individual operations guided by the naked eye.

[0121] At the surgeon's discretion, system 500 can be used to navigate the condition of the femur before hip replacement surgery. A mark Fm can be formed on the proximal part of the femur. The sensor 204 can then be initialized or set to zero by positioning it to return to a docking position on the platform, for example (as shown in Figure 20A). The probe tip 586 can then be brought into contact with the femoral mark Fm and fixed in place in such a contact state. See Figure 21A. The sensor 204 can be moved to the proximal end of the probe 584, and the orientation device 172 can send a signal to record the orientation of the sensor 204. The distance from the attachment point of the cannula 520 to the anterior superior iliac spine relative to the marked position on the femur can then be recorded by the orientation device 172. This position can be based on reading the memorized mark on the probe 584, or it can be automatically captured by a camera system or a sensor incorporated within system 500. In one embodiment, the memory mark is read by the upright edge 598 within the curved portion of the sliding part of the rotating slide mechanism 582.

[0122] Figure 20A illustrates a further step in navigating the anterior pelvic plane. As shown, the sensor 204 is docked to the platform 204. At this position, any accumulated errors associated with several sensors can be eliminated. In the aforementioned step, the extension 590 is coupled to the distal portion of the probe 584. The foot portion 594 is in contact with the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The sensor 204 can then be attached to the proximal end of the probe 284, as shown in Figure 18. The landmark acquisition system 512 can be fixed in place, and the orientation of the sensor 204 can be recorded in the memory of the orientation device 172. Furthermore, the distance that the probe 584 extends to contact the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine can be recorded in the orientation device 172. As described above, this distance can be read from the scale of the probe 584 at the upright edge 598.

[0123] The step of recording the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine can be repeated for one or more further points. Sensor 204 can be docked to a platform as shown in Figure 20A to eliminate the source of accumulated errors. Probe 584 can then be moved to bring the foot portion 594 into contact with the pubic tubercle. Probe 584 can be fixed, and the sensor can be coupled to its proximal end as shown in Figure 20B. Subsequently, data indicating the orientation of sensor 204 and the distance to the pubic tubercle are recorded in the orientation device 172 in one of the methods discussed above.

[0124] Once the aforementioned points on the pelvis are navigated and the data is recorded in the orientation device 172, the anterior pelvic plane can be calculated from the data indicating the navigated points. The orientation of the anterior pelvic plane is the baseline for the placement of the cup portion of the artificial hip joint.

[0125] Sensor 204 and orientation device 172 can be used at this point to guide the placement of cup 360 in a defined orientation. Prior to placement, impactors 300, 300A are provided. For example, impactor 300A can be provided by selecting a suitable tip component 348 for the distal end of shaft 316A. The tip component 348 is connected to cup 360, for example, by a screw. The rotational orientation of cup 360 relative to shaft 316A, which is the most convenient given hole pattern and position of sensor 204, is selected by combining flat sections 350A, 350B as needed. During the process of providing impactor 300, sensor 204 can be docked to platform 536, and the source of accumulated errors can be eliminated just before navigating cup 360 into place in the acetabular fossa.

[0126] In one technique, the cup 360 is inserted into the acetabular fossa and positioned in an approximately correct orientation. The sensor 204 is then connected to a docking device 338 on the impactor, as shown in Figure 11A. The orientation device 172 is activated to display angles indicating the orientation of the cup, such as the inclination angle and anterior tilt angle relative to the anterior pelvic plane. The displayed angles can be directly reflected in the coordinate system of the operating table discussed above. The displayed angles can also directly reflect the coordinate system from the acquisition of landmarks. In some cases, angles that directly reflect both the operating table coordinate system and the landmark coordinate system can be displayed. In other embodiments, the operating table coordinate system is not displayed, but rather the orientation device 172 displays instructions such as directions for reacquiring landmarks due to discrepancies between the angles resulting from the two coordinate systems.

[0127] Either of the aforementioned combinations of the operating table coordinate system and the landmark coordinate system provides redundancy to ensure that the angular information provided to the user is accurate and reliable, thereby ensuring that the surgery being performed is well contained within the "safe zone."

[0128] If the correct angle is achieved, the tool is used to strike the proximal end of the impactor 300 to fit the cup 360 into place at the desired angle. In some techniques, the sensor 204 is removed before striking the proximal end of the impactor 300. The system 500 includes a module that monitors the signal from the sensor 204. If a large deviation occurs in the reading, the module prevents the angle on the orientation device's display from changing. This "freezing" on the display is a precaution for both safety and accuracy, as a large force resulting from the impact can affect the accuracy of the sensor 204.

[0129] If a femoral landmark was acquired during surgery before separating the original hip joint, the same landmark can be acquired after the prosthesis is placed to confirm that the hip replacement has not altered the leg length from the patient's torso, leg offset, or both. For example, sensor 204 can be docked to docking device 538A as shown in Figure 20A. The source of accumulated errors can be eliminated by initializing sensor 204. The probe arm 538 can then be brought into contact with the same landmark (e.g., Fm) acquired earlier during surgery. See Figure 21B. The probe arm 538 can be fixed in place, and then sensor 204 can be connected to the proximal end of probe arm 538. The orientation of the sensor and the distance to probe arm 538 can be input to orientation device 172. These data enable orientation device 172 to output the amount of change in leg length and leg offset.

[0130] In one modification, multiple points, for example, three points in the femur, are obtained before and after joint replacement. This approach allows for further confirmation that the rotational orientation of the femoral neck with respect to an axis extending through the center of the cup 360 perpendicular to the plane of the acetabular fossa has not changed postoperatively.

[0131] Naturally, femoral recording procedures allow for the correction of diagnosed deformities, including excessive leg length offset, joint offset, and poor orientation of the femoral neck in the original hip joint. In other words, a surgeon may initiate surgery with the intention of adding some offset or altering rotational orientation in order to improve the position and / or orientation of the patient's bones after the operation.

[0132] [C. Navigation using preoperative imaging or characterization] While the aforementioned approaches can improve treatment standards in the current configuration, further increases in accuracy, better outcomes, and simplification of surgery can be achieved if the system is configured to take into account patient-specific anatomical variations.

[0133] [1. Navigation using inertial sensors and custom fixtures] Figure 22 shows the placement of the hip joint movement tracking sensor 204 on pin 732 adjacent to the acetabular fossa. While this position is not limited, the hip joint movement tracking sensor 204 can be mounted anywhere on the pelvis. However, the position adjacent to the acetabular fossa is convenient. Pin 732 is positioned using patient-specific preoperative hip joint characterization. In these methods, pin 732 is positioned without the need for intraoperative landmark acquisition.

[0134] In one approach, preoperative three-dimensional characterization of the acetabular fossa is performed using appropriate techniques such as CT scans or MRI. This preoperative procedure can be performed to fully characterize the pelvis and, in some cases, the proximal femur. Subsequently, the shape, position, and orientation of the acetabular fossa are known. Similarly, the bone features around the acetabular fossa are also known. From this data, a custom fixture 700 can be manufactured specifically for the patient. The custom fixture 700 will have features that are not only specific to the anatomical structure of the individual patient, but also recorded features 702 that will be known orientations of the acetabular fossa relative to the plane and the anterior pelvic plane.

[0135] Figure 23 shows an example of a custom fixture 700. The custom fixture 700 has an anterior surface 704 and a posterior surface 708. The posterior surface 708 is formed by an acetabular portion 712 configured to securely bond with at least one feature of the acetabular fossa. For example, the acetabular portion 712 can fit snugly across the acetabular rim with the central portion of the posterior surface 708 positioned within the acetabular fossa. The custom fixture 700 preferably has only one predefined orientation. The surface on the posterior portion of the fixture can define a plane corresponding to a preferred orientation angle of the implanted cup. One or more channels 716 can be formed on the posterior surface 708, and these channels 716 accept local bony prominences of the acetabular rim only when the custom fixture 700 is in the appropriate position and orientation. In another approach, the recording feature 702 of the custom fixture 700 has a surface or hole that is oriented in a desired orientation for the implant shell or cup. Therefore, when the custom fixture 700 is positioned, the sensing device 204 can be positioned relative to a face or surface, and when the pin 732 is connected, the pin can be inserted into the hole. When positioned in this manner, the orientation of the device, the orientation of the acetabular rim, or a substitute thereof, can be recorded by one or both of the devices 172, 294. The hole 702 preferably extends from the anterior surface 704 to the posterior surface 708 of the custom fixture 700. The distance between the anterior surface 704 and the posterior surface 708 provides a depth of the hole 702 that is considered sufficient to guide the pin to a specific anatomical structure along a particular direction.

[0136] Figure 24 shows the initial placement of the custom fixture 700 within the acetabular fossa in an orientation indicated by the fitting of the custom fixture 700 to the anatomical structure. The appearance of the posterior surface 708, including the channel (multiple channels) 716, accommodates the patient-specific acetabular rim, including local bony protrusions and recesses, in and around the acetabular fossa. The opening 702 is located in the periphery projection 720 of the custom fixture 700. The structure of the periphery projection 720 is designed to be positioned over a specific bone or bone region of the hip joint. In this example, the periphery projection 720 is configured to be positioned over the bone superior to the acetabular fossa. Other regions of bone around the acetabular fossa can be used if they are sufficiently thick or strong and conveniently located so as not to interfere with the surgeon's movements during surgery. The precise location of the selected periphery projection 720 can be determined by preoperative imaging and incorporated into the formation of the custom fixture 700.

[0137] Figure 25 shows that after the fixture is positioned, the pin 732 can be positioned through the hole 702. The pin 732 has a length that extends above the anterior surface 704 of the fixture 700, thereby allowing the sensor 204 to be attached to it. Once the sensor 204 is attached to the pin, the sensor can track any movement of the pelvis during surgery. Since the position and orientation of the pin relative to the acetabular fossa and / or anterior pelvic plane are known from preoperative imaging, there is no need to record landmarks in this technique.

[0138] Figure 26 shows that the plug 700 may advantageously include an alignment guide 736 to control the rotational orientation of the sensor 204 on the pin 732. The alignment guide 736 may be a line extending along a specific direction with respect to the recording feature 702. As described above, the sensing device inside the sensor 204 may be sensitive to the direction of gravity. The tilt of the sensor with respect to the pin 732 can alter the reading of the sensing device. To eliminate the source of error associated with this sensitivity, the navigation system incorporating the sensor 204 may be programmed to assume that the sensor will be in a specific rotational position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin 732. The sensor 204 may be mechanically or visually aligned with a guide mark 738 to ensure that this assumption is satisfied during use. In one modification, the sensor 204 may have a laser projected onto the fixture 700 and be aligned with the mark 736 to facilitate alignment. Alternatively, pin 732 may be configured to enter only the hole in a specific orientation (e.g., an asymmetric non-circular cross-section) and to allow the sensor to be attached to the pin in a specific orientation (by including an asymmetric connection feature).

[0139] Once the sensor 204 is attached to the pin 732, the fixture 700 can be removed from the surgical area. For example, the fixture 700 can be manufactured from a material that can be cut along line 742 at the lateral edge of the fixture. A saw or bone forceps can be used to cut through the fixture 700. The majority of the body of the fixture 700 can then be removed from the surgical area. Figure 28 shows that the projection 720 remains in place in several ways so as not to disrupt the position and orientation of the sensor 204.

[0140] A second sensor 204 is mounted on a cup impactor, which may be similar to the impactor shown in Figures 11A-11C. The impactor guides the placement of the cup by referring to signals from sensor 204 mounted on pin 732 on the pelvis. Signals from the sensors on the impactor can be corrected if hip joint movement is detected by the sensors on pin 732.

[0141] [2. Navigation using inertial sensors and cannula-type guides] Figures 29-31 illustrate one method of implementing a cannula-type guided feeding method. The cannula-type method is advantageous in that, once the guide member is attached, orientation tracking is simplified, and in some cases, orientation tracking may no longer be necessary, as accumulated errors, sensor drift, or other types of misreadings of interest can be excluded.

[0142] The custom fixture 750 is formed by the process discussed above in relation to fixture 700. The custom fixture 750 has many of the same components as fixture 700, including recording features 752 extending between the anterior surface 754 and the posterior surface 758. Guide marks 738 can be provided on the anterior surface 754 to rotatably align the sensor 204 with respect to a pin 732. The custom fixture 750 also has a guide channel 762 located approximately in the center of the custom fixture 750. The guide channel 762 has an anterior opening on the anterior surface 74, a posterior opening on the posterior surface 758, and a wall extending between these openings. The wall is positioned with respect to a central axis A. The position and orientation of the central axis A can be determined based on preoperative characterization of the acetabular fossa. In one embodiment, an MRI or CT scan reveals the optimal axis for feeding the cup of the prosthesis along it. The wall forming the guide channel 762 is formed with respect to axis A, which coincides with the optimal axis when the fixture 750 is positioned in the acetabular fossa of a particular patient.

[0143] Figure 30 shows that the impactor 300A can then be advanced into the guide channel 762 along axis A. The distally facing shoulder 766 on the impactor 300A can be coupled in a predetermined manner to the anterior surface 754 and the inlet to the channel 762, and when coupled in such a manner, the orientation of the sensor 204 on the impactor 300A can be recorded. In this technique, the fixture 750 is a cannula having a channel 762 configured to receive the impactor 300A. When patient movement is permitted, the sensor 204 on the pin 732 can be held in place to track such movement. Otherwise, the sensor 204 on the pin 732 can be removed. The sensor 204 on the impactor 300A will store the orientation of axis A in memory, and the user can be notified of any misalignment of the impactor from this axis. It is preferable to keep sensor 204 on pin 732, since, due to accumulated errors (e.g., drift) in some sensors, such as a relatively inexpensive gyroscope, only the orientation stored by sensor 204 on impactor 300A is accurate for a short period of time.

[0144] In one modified example, when the impactor is positioned within the guide channel 762 and the shoulder 766 is in contact with the anterior surface 754, the impactor 300A has a central channel that coincides with axis A. A guide pin can be advanced into the acetabular fossa through this channel. The guide pin can be embedded in the base of the acetabular fossa. The sensor 204, connected to the pelvis by pin 732, can be removed because the guide pin positioned through the channel of the impactor 300A provides a mechanical way for it to follow the movement of the hip joint. The impactor 300A, having a cup attached thereto, can then slide along the guide pin to its proper position in the acetabular fossa.

[0145] In a further modification, the sensor 204 connected to the impactor 300A can also be removed. In this further modification, the guide pin is configured along the cup to prevent the cup of the artificial joint from tilting relative to axis A. In particular, the joint surface between the guide member and the cup of the artificial hip joint can be formed to have a sufficient length along axis A so that tilting is prevented by this joint surface. In some cases, the cup 360 is connected to the impactors 300, 300A. Modifications of the impactors 300, 300A may be tubular and may have other features to accommodate tracking along the guide pin in the pelvis, for example.

[0146] [3. Navigation using inertial sensors and preoperative imaging] In other techniques using less comprehensive imaging, correspondences between one or more length dimensions and angles can be used to improve accuracy. For example, a clinician may use an X-ray or other standard radiographic imaging device to provide an image of the anterior pelvic plane. This image can be read to derive the position and dimensions of anatomical structures in the anterior pelvic plane. For example, angles between upper and lower landmarks around the acetabular fossa (further described below) and the transverse ischial line or other anatomical medial-lateral reference lines can be considered useful patient-specific variables to minimize patient-to-patient variation in at least one relevant angle, such as the abduction angle.

[0147] Patient-specific data can be provided for use by surgeons based on the best medical judgment. For example, any of the systems described herein can be used in a mode based on broad population studies. Such studies can define a patient distribution with sufficient clarity and detail to enable significant improvements over current standards of care. In one mode, dimensions obtained from radiographs or CT scans can be used to inform surgeons whether patient-specific adjustments should be considered. Alternatively, patient-specific adjustments can be coded within system 100 so that they are obvious to physicians. Such adjustments can be downloaded to one or both of devices 172, 204, or to a separate monitor or control device that communicates wirelessly with devices 172, 204. Thus, system 100 can fully implement patient-specific adjustments, such as anterior tilt, abduction, leg length, joint offset, or other parameters, or it can enable surgeons to determine whether such adjustments should be made.

[0148] Figure 36 illustrates an example of preoperative imaging that can be used in one technique. Line 380 is used during surgery and is directed to a landmark visible in the anterior pelvic radiograph. The upper landmark 380A is approximately 1 cm above the uppermost point of the acetabular fossa. In other approaches, the upper landmark 380A may be the uppermost point on the acetabular rim. The bottom landmark 380B is adjacent to or located on the acetabular notch (teardrop shape). The angle between line 382 and line 384 is the patient-specific abduction of the line formed by the landmark, and this angle can be entered into the interface of system 100 (or other systems of this specification) during surgery to provide a patient-specific coordinate system. Line 384 may be the anatomical medial-lateral reference line. Examples include the ischial transverse line and the line transverse the inferior lateral edge of the obturator foramen (shown in Figure 36).

[0149] [4. Navigation using drift-insensitive inertial sensors] In one modification, one or both of the devices 172 and 204 may be equipped with only an accelerometer and may be configured as an inclinometer, or the devices may be configured so that the accelerometer data is the most reliable mode, or otherwise so as to be insensitive to accumulated errors resulting from the integration of data. When the patient is in a reproducible and stable position, patient movement and misalignment can be ruled out. This allows several methods to be performed without using velocity sensor data. In one modification of this inclinometer approach, one or both of the sensors 172 and 204 may be configured to inform the surgeon whether a condition is detected that suggests a landmark acquisition approach which would result in upward alignment. This method can be advantageously used for surgeries that do not require complex movements such as freehand movements. When freehand movements are involved, it would be beneficial to combine several head orientation indicators (gyroscope, magnetometer, or other head orientation indicators).

[0150] [5. Navigation using inertial sensors to track movement in order to define a patient-specific safety zone.] In other techniques illustrated in Figure 32, a patient-specific "safe zone" is defined by recording the original range of motion of one or more joints in the patient. For example, when hip replacement surgery is performed, the patient's range of motion can be recorded before the surgery. If the hip to be replaced is not severely inflamed, the range of motion can be determined for the hip to be replaced. If the range of motion of the hip to be replaced is unnatural due to a diseased condition, the opposite hip can be characterized.

[0151] In a hip replacement technique, the sensor S is connected to the femur. The sensor can be connected above the knee to prevent knee movement from affecting the measurement. The sensor S can be connected below the knee if the knee is fixed. The sensor S can be initialized, or otherwise prepared to record accurate readings. Subsequently, one or more movements of the hip can be performed based on the recorded and processed sensor output. These movements may include, for example, forward and backward (AP) movement within the maximum range of motion, and medial and lateral (ML) movement within the maximum range of motion. These movements define the patient's natural range of motion in those planes.

[0152] The conical movement CM can be defined based on the range of motion in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. This conical movement CM can be defined to begin at a point defined as the center of rotation of the femoral head and to extend laterally from the acetabular fossa to a circular base located at a distance from the center of rotation equal to the distance to the sensor mounting point. The circular base can be defined to have a radius equal to the average range of motion in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. In Figure 32, the conical movement is shown on the opposite side for clarity. As described above, the data collected to estimate the conical movement can be based on the leg to be treated or the opposite leg.

[0153] The placement of the cup in a prosthetic hip is influenced by several metrics of the center within the conical motion. For example, the cup can be centered such that an axis extending perpendicular to the plane of the cup's inlet traverses the circular base of the precise conical motion at the center of the cone. In some systems, the orientation of the cup is controlled so that the point of transcendence of the thus protruding axis is closer to the center of the circular base than to the periphery of the circular base. In other systems, the orientation of the cup is controlled so that the point of transcendence of the thus protruding axis is within a distance from the center point that is less than 25% of the radius of the circular base.

[0154] In a patient class, hip joint movement is not symmetrical in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. The conical movement itself can have a more complex geometric shape. For example, the conical movement may begin at the center of rotation of the femoral head and extend to an elliptical base, where the ellipse may be shorter in the medial direction but larger in the lateral, anterior, and / or posterior directions. Various "safety zone" measurements can be defined based on these irregularly shaped cones. For example, the geometric center of a complex base shape can be calculated, and the cup of the artificial hip joint may be centered such that an axis extending perpendicular to the plane of the cup's inlet crosses the irregularly shaped base of the conical movement at or within the maximum distance of the cone's center of gravity.

[0155] Any suitable set of motion can be used to obtain the center of rotation of the femoral head and / or the boundary of the base of the conical motion. An example of a method for determining the center of rotation of the femoral head using an inertial sensor is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 8,118,815, which is incorporated by reference into this specification for this purpose or all other purposes. The more complete periphery of the base of the conical motion can be recorded directly using a sensor that allows tracking of both position and orientation. For example, various other points between the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions can be employed so that 6, 8, 10, 12, or more points are recorded. In other embodiments, precise motion along all or part of the base of the conical motion can be followed and recorded. Since various degrees of freedom of the sensor S are constrained, the sensor can operate on an accelerometer alone in some approaches. This can be achieved by simplifying the sensor S, making it disposable, and inexpensive. Such approaches may be most accurate when rotation with respect to the vertical axis is minimized or excluded.

[0156] In one embodiment, the surgery illustrated in Figure 32 generates an origin and direction that can be input into a cup placement system. The origin may be the rotational center of the femoral head and the corresponding rotational center of the socket of the artificial joint. The direction may be a line connecting the origin and the point that intersects the base of the conical motion. This data is converted into a cup placement system, for example, one of the placement systems described above. For example, the impactor 300A may include a sensor 204 on which this data is stored. The movement of the impactor 300A can then be tracked with reference to this origin and direction to ensure proper placement of the cup. Such placement may use, for example, a sensor that tracks the movement of a patient pinned to the pelvis.

[0157] In other embodiments, a cannula-type system can be used to minimize the number of steps while the inertial sensor is in use. For example, once the origin and direction of the axis connected to the intersection of the center of rotation and the base of the conical motion are determined, a guide member can be positioned via a cannula-type impactor (or other cannula). The guide member can be docked with a cup attached to the impactor. The cup can slide on the guide member to a position within the acetabular fossa. The directional and origin information collected in the steps illustrated in Figure 32 is stored by the guide member and by tilt-preventing features on the guide member and / or the cup of the prosthesis.

[0158] When a patient's joints are affected by a widespread disease, conical motion can be established by a combination of data collected from movements similar to those discussed above in relation to Figure 32, and data from preoperative imaging. For example, X-rays can be obtained when the femoral neck moves close to the acetabular rim to supplement some of the data points that define conical motion. Thus, conical motion can be partially established by inertial detection and partially established by imaging to characterize the original anatomical structure.

[0159] [D. Modular systems for forward or backward approaches to navigation using inertial sensors and anatomical landmark acquisition fixtures] Figures 37–40 illustrate System 900 for navigating hip replacement surgery. System 900 can be considered similar to some of the systems discussed above. However, while some of the aforementioned systems are specialized for specific approaches, System 900 includes a first subsystem 900A adapted for posterior approaches and a second subsystem 900B adapted for anterior approaches. As will be discussed further below, both subsystems 900A and 900B are configured to allow navigation to be performed without the need for gyroscopes or other sensors that are affected by accumulated errors (drift). This improvement makes the system simpler for implementation and use in a wider range of settings for more patients.

[0160] Subsystem 900A includes fixture 904A adapted for hip joint navigation from a posterior approach. Fixture 904A is analogous to fixture 454 in several embodiments, and a consistent description thereof is incorporated into this specification. Fixture 904A includes a platform 908, a cannula coupling device 912, and a recording fixture mounting feature 914. The platform 908 can have any shape, but in some embodiments it may be elongated, for example, having a first end 916 and a second end 920. The elongated shape allows at least one portion of fixture 904A to be low profile in one direction, and allows the fixture to provide multiple positions along its length for the coupling device. When the navigation fixture is applied to a patient, the first end 916 is configured to be oriented downward, and the second end 920 is configured to be oriented upward. The medial-lateral dimensions or range can be minimized so as not to obstruct the surgical field or the surgeon.

[0161] The cannula connector 912 is positioned adjacent to the first end 916 and is configured to allow the cannula 924 to be held adjacent to the bottom surface of the platform 908. The cannula 924 may have an upper surface connected to the bottom surface of the platform 908. The connection between these components may be secured by a device positioned above or below the platform 908. In one embodiment, the proximal structure of the cannula connector 924 may be received in a bottom recess of the platform 908 and held in the recess by a compression device such as a set screw S. Details of various modifications of the cannula connector 912 are discussed below in reference to Figures 41-43B. The connection to the bone adjacent to the hip joint is made through the cannula 924. For example, a pin 928 may be positioned in the bone through the platform 908 and the cannula 924.

[0162] The anterior approach cannula 926 is shown in Figures 39 and 40 and is analogous to cannula 516. This description is incorporated into the present specification. The description of the cannula coupling device 912 applies equally to the posterior approach cannula 924 and the anterior approach cannula 926.

[0163] The recording jig mounting feature 914 is positioned on the upper surface 932 of the platform 908 adjacent to the first end 916. In one embodiment, the mounting feature 914 includes a raised portion of the platform. The mounting feature may include one or more recesses, for example two recesses, into which pins can be received. In one embodiment, the raised portion includes a window, for example a through-hole, for viewing such pins to confirm correct placement. In one modification, as shown in Figure 41, a circular recess may be provided for a first pin, and a U-shaped slot may be provided for other pins or members.

[0164] The hip joint navigation fixture 904A also includes a recording fixture 940. This recording fixture 940 may have several features similar to the recording fixtures discussed above. The recording fixture 940 includes an upright member 942, a rotatable member 948, and a probe 952. The upright member 942 is configured to be detachably connected to the platform 908 by a recording fixture mounting feature 914. For example, several pins (e.g., two pins) may protrude from the lower surface of the upright member 942, and these pins are configured to be received in corresponding recesses in the recording fixture mounting feature 914. One of such pins is visible through a window in the recording fixture mounting feature 914, as shown in Figure 38. The upright member 942 includes a first portion 944 and a second portion 946 positioned on top of the first portion 944. When the recording fixture 940 is attached to the recording fixture mounting feature 914, the first portion 944 is substantially vertical, increasing the height of the second portion 946. The second portion 946 is inclined away from the vertical longitudinal axis of the first portion 944. The inclination of the second portion 946 offers several advantages. As will be discussed below, it allows the upright member 942 to be located so as not to obstruct the range of motion of the probe 952. This is important because the probe 952 must be able to easily and quickly reach multiple anatomical features.

[0165] The inclination of the second portion 946 also provides a simple method for inclining the rotation angle of the rotatable member 948 with respect to the vertical axis. The rotatable member 948 is connected to the upright member 942 for rotation about axis A, which is not vertical when the fixture is attached to a bone adjacent to the hip joint and the upright member is positioned substantially vertically. This configuration is one way that allows a navigation system employing an inertial sensor to eliminate the need to manage sensor drift. As described above, certain sensors, such as gyroscopes, are highly susceptible to accumulated errors (drift). The orientation of axis A allows the fixture 904 to be used in a system that includes an accelerometer and other sensors that are sufficiently sensitive when actuated and moved around a non-vertical axis.

[0166] Other degrees of freedom of rotation and position, as described above for the recording fixture, can be provided for the recording fixture 940, and such a description is incorporated into the present specification.

[0167] The probe 952 has a tip 956 for engaging with anatomical structures. The anatomical structure engaging tip 956 is located at the distal end of an elongated body 960 connected to a rotatable member for rotation around an axis. The orientation and position of the elongated member 960 of the probe can be adjusted during landmark acquisition procedures so that the anatomical structure engaging tip is in contact with multiple anatomical landmarks. Such adjustments can be made by sliding through slide supports similar to those described above.

[0168] The upright member 942 may include a cradle 954, which allows the elongated body 964 of the probe 952 to be held in place when not in use during surgery. The cradle 954 can be used to latch the sensor 204, as described above. In various embodiments, however, the system 900 does not require a zero-setting step, as the sensor is configured to be substantially insensitive to drift. Eliminating sensitivity to drift can be achieved by configuring the sensor 204 as an inclinometer and / or by using an inertial sensor of a type that will not incorporate excessive errors due to drift during surgery. Even sensors with drift can be used, as long as the accumulation of those errors during surgery does not reach a sufficient level. The cradle 954 can be used to zero out errors if the surgery is unexpectedly prolonged or if the sensor is affected by some drift. In one advantageous embodiment, the sensor 204 can operate solely on a signal from an accelerometer, which is insensitive to drift.

[0169] Figures 37 to 40 show that systems 900A and 900B can include one or more sensors for detecting the orientation of probe 952. The sensors can be in any form and can include, for example, the surgical orientation device 172 and sensor 204 as described above. Thus, fixture 904 can include a sensor mounting feature 962 positioned on platform 908. If the platform is elongated, the sensor mounting feature 962 can be positioned on a second end 920. Another advantage of fixtures 904A and 904B is that they are symmetrical and can be used for both hip joints. Fixtures 904A and 904B can therefore have a single sensor mounting feature positioned in a symmetrical plane. If platform 908 is elongated, the sensor mounting feature 962 can be positioned in the vertical central plane of the platform. In this application, “vertical” refers to the orientation of fixtures 904A and 904B when applied to the hip joint in a posterior or anterior approach.

[0170] The recording jig 940 may include a sensor mounting feature 964 positioned on it for movement with the probe 952. For example, the sensor mounting feature 964 may be located at the proximal end of the elongated body 960. This position, with the sensor 204 positioned at the proximal end, is one of its advantages. However, the sensor mounting feature 964 and the sensor 204 may also be located on the side of the elongated body 960.

[0171] As discussed herein, the orientation of the axis of rotation A of the rotatable member 948 allows the change in orientation of the sensor 204 to be in a plane other than the horizontal. This is achieved by orienting axis A in a direction other than the vertical. This configuration makes it possible to configure sensor 204 as an inclinometer by using an accelerometer primarily, or solely, to output a signal indicating the orientation of a component, for example, a signal indicating the orientation of probe 952. Examples or ranges of angles of axis A that can be provided include angles of about 20 degrees from the horizontal, about 30 degrees from the horizontal, about 45 degrees from the horizontal, and less than about 60 degrees from the horizontal.

[0172] Figure 38 shows further features of system 900A, including fixture 904A and cannula 924. Cannula 924 is adapted for a posterior approach and is similar to or identical to the hollow fixation member 466. The upper or first end of cannula 924 is configured to connect to the cannula coupling device 912 by, for example, a set screw as described above. The second end of cannula 924 is configured to connect to a bone adjacent to the hip joint. The bone can be any of those discussed above for connecting to the fixation member 466 or other similar structures discussed in any of the above embodiments. The home point feature 968 is positioned adjacent to the second (lower) end of cannula 924. The home point feature 968 is in a predefined, known position and can receive the anatomical structure engaging tip 956 of the probe 952. When those structures make contact, they are in a predefined position and orientation. The home point feature 968 may be similar to the recording feature 473 discussed above.

[0173] Since the system 900 can be adapted for a posterior or anterior approach (discussed below), the cannula 924 should be removed from the platform 908 in the operating room, or removed on a back table for the surgeon's preparation. For example, the connection between the cannula 924 and the platform 908 can be oriented in a specific way. This reduces a potential source of surgeon error. That is, the home point feature 968 always faces toward the surgical field from the pelvic attachment position, for example, facing downward when the fixture 904 is attached to an upper position in the surgical field. For example, the projection in the proximal portion of the cannula 924 and the corresponding projection in the recess on the lower surface of the platform 908 can specify only one rotational orientation of the cannula relative to the platform to which their components can be connected.

[0174] As discussed above, the cannula 926 is provided in system 900 to allow the surgeon to switch to an anterior approach. The anterior approach is discussed in great detail above in relation to Figures 18 to 21B. This description is also incorporated into the present specification. System 900B differs from system 500 in that the orientation of the axis of rotation A in system 900B is not perpendicular, as discussed above. For example, the number of sensors can be greatly simplified compared to system 500. The cannula 926 has a home point feature 968B. The home point feature 968B is in a predetermined known position and can receive the anatomical structure engaging tip 956 of the probe 952. When those structures make contact, they are in a predetermined position and orientation. The home point feature 968B can be similar to the recording feature 473 discussed above. The cannula 926 and platform 908 can be configured for a limited rotation position of mounting, for example, only one rotation position. This ensures that the jig 904B will be properly assembled when it is assembled in the operating room or on a back table.

[0175] In one method to maximize the accuracy of landmark acquisition, the fixture 904B is connected to the patient in an anterior approach. The tip 956 comes into contact with the home point feature 968B. User input can then be applied to the surgical orientation device 172A to indicate that the tip 956 is the home point feature 968B. The system then records movement and landmark acquisition in the manner discussed above. This data provides a basis for guiding the placement of the prosthesis cup, as discussed above.

[0176] The placement of the cup of an artificial joint using a device such as the Impactor 300A can be an operation that benefits from multiple inertial sensors, which may include one or more drift-sensitive sensors, such as a gyroscope. System 900 provides a calibration mount 998 for linking the sensor 204 to the surgical orientation device 172A in a well-known and constant position and orientation. The calibration mount 998 is a docking device that positions the sensor 204 immediately before a step to eliminate potential sources of accumulated error, for example, a step to set the drift-sensitive sensors to zero. Figures 37-38 show that the system 900A may include two sensors 204, and that one sensor is mounted on the recording fixture 940 and the other sensor is mounted on the calibration mount 998. The two sensors 204 may be identical or dedicated for their particular functions. Figures 39 and 40 show only one sensor 204. In this system, a single sensor 204 is used to position the acetabular implant, to collect landmark data, or to work in conjunction with the impactor 300A.

[0177] Figures 41 to 43B illustrate various features for clamping multiple structures on the platform 908. In particular, these drawings show a fixed pin fixing device 970 incorporated within the platform 908. The fixed pin fixing device 970 can have a low profile so as not to interfere with other tools in the surgical field. Figures 41 to 41A show one embodiment of the pin fixing device 970 including a compression member 972. The cannula coupling device 912 may include a similar mechanism for clamping a pin positioned through a cannula 924. The platform 908 includes one or more slots formed on its surface, for example, the top surface. The slot 974 is larger than the compression member 972 in at least one direction. This allows the compression member to fit into the slot and move over a large range within it. The compression member 972 has a tapered channel 976. Vertical movement of the tapered member 978 in the tapered channel 976 causes the compression member 972 to move in order to narrow the gap G between the compression member 972 and the rigid features of the platform. This gap G can be the space between the curved side surface of the compression member 972 and the curved surface of the platform 908.

[0178] In one method, a pin or other fixation member is advanced into the bone through the gap G. A platform 908 is positioned on the fixation member at an appropriate height, and a pin fixation device 970 is fixed to the fixation member. The fixation member may be a Steinman pin or other similar device. In one technique, a tapered member 978 is a threaded elongated body, which is advanced along a female thread formed in the platform 908 until its tapered surface acts on a tapered surface 976, causing a compression member 972 to move laterally to narrow the gap G. Further advancement of the tapered member 978 causes the compression member 972 to move further to enhance the fixation of the fixation member. The method can be repeated for a second pin when one pin extends through a cannula 924, and the first pin extends parallel to the cannula 924 but is offset upward from there in the patient.

[0179] Figures 42 to 42B illustrate another approach to the fixed pin fixing device 970A. This fixed pin fixing device 970A includes a compression member 972A rotatably mounted on the platform 908. Figure 42A shows two compression members 972A. Each of these compression members 972A is mounted to rotate with respect to a pin or shaft 980. The fixing device 970A on the left in Figure 42A corresponds to a structure in which the fixing member can freely pass through the gap G in this mechanism. The fixing device 970A on the right in Figure 42A corresponds to a structure in which the gap G is narrowed, and the fixing member placed in the gap G is firmly clamped and cannot move relative to the platform 908. A rigid surface of the platform 908 opposite the compression member 972, which rotates with the compression member, holds the fixing member in place.

[0180] In one method, a pin or other fixing member is positioned within the fixing pin fixing device 970A and the cannula coupling device 912. In the illustrated embodiment, these devices may employ a similar clamping mechanism. The screw 982 is then advanced to rotate the compression member 972 with respect to the pin or shaft 980 from a first position where the gap G between the clamping surface of the compression member 972A and the rigid surface of the platform 908 is larger, to a second position where the gap G is smaller. The second position is the clamping position for the fixing member, which will hold the platform 908 in place until the screw 982 enlarges and retracts the gap G.

[0181] Figures 43 to 43B illustrate an alternative approach to the fixed pin fastening device 970B, which includes a compression member 972B configured to clamp multiple sections of the outer surface of the fastening member. The platform 908 includes a plurality of projections 984 extending upward from the top surface of the platform. The projections are threaded. Each projection includes a collet 986 or similar device positioned therein, having an internal lumen sized to receive the fastening member. Multiple slots extend downward from the top surface of the collet 986, and the angled surface 988 is positioned between the upper ends of each member defined between a pair of such slots. A corresponding angled surface 990 is provided inside the cup 992. The cup 992 has internal threads, which act on the threads of the projections 984 to advance the angled surface 990 on the angled surface 988. Further progression involves crushing the slots in the collet 986, causing compression with respect to the outer surface of the fixing member. Figure 43 shows that this approach can be used for the fixing pin fixing device 970B and / or for the cannula coupling device 912.

[0182] Although the system discussed above is considered highly suitable for a particular approach, system 900 can be adapted for a posterior or anterior approach. This provides surgeons with greater flexibility, adding only minimal additional components to the general-purpose kit. The orientation of axis A of rotation (seen in Figures 38 and 40) enhances the sensitivity of the system, incorporating accelerometers and other sensor drift-insensitive components. Home point features 968A and 968B allow surgeons to achieve maximum accuracy by enabling the acquisition of positional and orientational data for multiple anatomical landmarks in the vicinity of the home point location. This allows the system to initialize sensors adjacent to the points being acquired for increased accuracy.

[0183] [II. Hip Navigation Using Camera Tracking] Figure 33 illustrates one embodiment of system 800, which includes near-range optical tracking capability. In this context, the term “near-range” is a broad term meaning the direct surgical field on the pelvis, within the boundaries of the operating table, and adjacent to the patient, such as the surgical field below the surgeon’s head. This term is intended to exclude systems where the camera is outside the surgical field. Near-range tracking greatly reduces or eliminates the “line of sight” problem that plagues traditional optical navigation.

[0184] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture system 804 is provided for connection to the patient's bone. The fixture system 804 may include any of the features of any of the fixture systems discussed in this specification. For simplicity, the fixture system is illustrated using the system in Figure 1 and includes, for example, a cannula 124 and a platform 136. The surgical orientation device 172A is mounted on the platform 136. The orientation device 172A may be similar to those described above in this specification but may also include one or more cameras 812. Preferably, the orientation device 172A includes two cameras 812 that enable the capture of binocular data. The cameras are preferably small cameras, for example, the Aptina MT9T111 discussed on the webpage http: / / www.aptina.com / products / soc / mt9t111d00stc / . The conical shape projected from below the orientation device 172A schematically represents the direction of the field of view of the camera 182.

[0185] This data can be used at least to determine the orientation of the stylus 816 and, in some cases, to determine the six degrees of freedom of the stylus 816. The stylus has a far end 828 configured to contact a landmark as part of the landmark acquisition process, as described above. The proximal portion 832 (or other portion) of the stylus 816 has an array of trackers 836. This array of trackers 836 can be tracked by the camera 812 to provide orientation, position, orientation, posture, or other combinations of specific characterization of the connected stylus 816 or a portion of an anatomical structure.

[0186] Camera 812 can operate without any additional sensors, such as an inertial sensor. In some embodiments, camera 812 is used in conjunction with an inertial sensor to verify or improve the accuracy of the sensor. For example, drift in a velocity sensor, such as accumulated error, can be monitored by comparing the position as seen from the camera with the output of the velocity sensor. The system can intervene if the sensor outputs too much drift, for example, by informing the user to reset the velocity sensor.

[0187] Other optical devices, such as a laser emitter or infrared emitter 814, may be provided with the orientation device 172A. Infrared emitters can be useful for illuminating fiduciaries under intense light conditions in the surgical field, as they are easily detachable by the camera.

[0188] Although the inventions are disclosed in the course of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this application extends beyond the explicitly disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the invention, as well as obvious modifications and their equivalents. Furthermore, although several variations of the invention are shown and described in detail, other modifications within the technical scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. It will also be considered that various combinations and partial combinations of particular features and aspects in the embodiments may and may still be within the technical scope of the application. For example, the application considers a connecting hub, either alone or in combination with any of the other modules that may form distinct aspects. Alternatively, any module or combination of modules may be directly connected to an umbrella hub or overhead support to form another distinct aspect. Therefore, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or interchangeable for each other to form modified modes of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, it is intended that the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed above, but should be determined solely by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

[0189] Similarly, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than those expressly described in the claims. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspects are placed in fewer combinations than all the features of a single aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated by the application into the detailed description, with each claim standing independently as a separate embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 100 Hip joint navigation system 104 Recording jig 108 Alignment Assembly 112 Landmark Acquisition Assembly 124 Fixed Cannula 136 platforms 140 Rigid body extension 224 Long and slender member 300 Impactors

Claims

1. It is a system, The system includes an orientation device, and the orientation device is An inertial sensor mounted on or inside the housing of the orientation device, One or more processors, A data acquisition module for receiving inertial data from the aforementioned inertial sensor, A calculation module configured to provide the inclination angle and anterior tilt angle of the artificial hip joint cup based on the recorded plane of the operating table on which the patient is lying, based on the aforementioned inertial data, A user interface module configured to output the tilt angle and the forward tilt angle to a physical display configured to communicate the tilt angle and the forward tilt angle to the user, Equipped with, The data acquisition module, the calculation module, and the user interface module are software incorporated into one or more processors of the orientation device. The orientation device is configured to use the recorded plane of the operating table on which the patient is lying as a reference coordinate system for guiding the placement of the cup of the artificial hip joint without requiring the recording of the patient's anatomical landmarks.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle and the forward tilt angle are generated in real time by the calculation module.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inertial sensor comprises an accelerometer for detecting orientation relative to gravity.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inclination angle and the forward tilt angle are calculated on the premise that the patient is not moving, and the calculated angles are displayed to the user on the physical display.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a docking device for directly or indirectly connecting with the orientation device.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a fixing pin configured to be advanced into the pelvis.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data capture module, the calculation module, and the user interface module are operable to process an algorithm.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inertial sensor comprises a gyroscope.

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