Acetabular Cup Installation via Vibratory Actuation and IMU Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total hip replacement procedures face challenges in accurately and precisely installing and positioning the acetabular component due to the use of crude tools that provide imprecise and unpredictable positioning, leading to potential complications and increased risks for patients, especially when surgeons with less experience perform the procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a gun-like device that vibrates the acetabular cup while an integrated alignment system, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), measures and reports real-time alignment status, allowing for precise and controlled insertion and positioning without the need for manual impact forces, and includes a vibratory motion to facilitate accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated and/or computer-assisted navigation tools are employed, then positioning accuracy is improved, but uncontrollable impacting forces cause orientation deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical impacting system (hammer/mallet striking pin or alignment rod) with a controlled actuator system. The actuator applies controlled forces to the acetabular component through a tool, eliminating the uncontrollable impacting forces while maintaining positioning accuracy achieved by navigation tools. This substitution resolves the contradiction by decoupling the positioning function (handled by navigation) from the installation function (handled by controlled actuator).
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the computer-assisted navigation continuously monitors the position and orientation of the acetabular component during installation. This real-time feedback allows the control system to adjust actuator forces dynamically, ensuring that the component achieves and maintains the desired orientation without deviation caused by uncontrolled impacting forces.
2Measurement precision
If surgeon experience is increased, then positioning accuracy is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing automated guidance and control functions that compensate for surgeon experience variations. The computer-assisted navigation and controlled actuator system perform the precise positioning tasks automatically, allowing less experienced surgeons to achieve the same positioning accuracy as experienced surgeons without requiring extensive training or prolonged procedure times.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled actuator system replaces the reliance on surgeon skill and experience with an automated mechanical system that consistently delivers precise positioning. This substitution eliminates the trade-off between surgeon experience and procedure time by providing automated precision that does not depend on the surgeon's skill level.
3Productivity
If impacting forces are increased, then installation speed is improved, but bone fracturing risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled actuator system provides dynamic force application with real-time adjustment capabilities. Unlike static high-impact forcing, the actuator can apply varying forces throughout the installation process, increasing speed when resistance is low and reducing forces when bone density varies, thereby preventing fracturing while maintaining installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional high-impact mechanical system (hammer/mallet) with a controlled actuator system that delivers forces in a controlled, regulated manner. This substitution eliminates the need for high impacting forces while achieving installation, thereby preventing bone fracturing without sacrificing installation speed through the actuator's optimized force application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the risk of fracturing or shattering the bone, enables rapid and efficient installation, and allows for accurate alignment and orientation of the acetabular component, improving the precision and safety of the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated alignment system, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), measures and reports real-time alignment status
Implementation Method 2
A system and method utilizing a gun-like device that vibrates the acetabular cup while an integrated alignment system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure.