Acetabular Implant Planning via Pelvic Tilt Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for planning the placement of acetabular implants in total hip arthroplasty rely on general 'safe zones' that do not account for individual patient-specific pelvic motion, leading to potential impingement and dislocation issues, and require multiple radiographic images that increase radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors to measure pelvic tilt angles in various functional positions, correlating sensor data with image-based data to determine patient-specific inclination and version angles for the acetabular implant, minimizing the need for additional imaging while providing personalized surgical planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiographic images (CT scans, A/P x-ray, lateral x-ray) are obtained to gather patient-specific pelvic motion data, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiographic imaging systems with an inertial sensor-based measurement system. The sensors mounted on the patient's pelvis directly measure pelvic tilt angles through inertial forces, eliminating the need for repeated X-ray or CT imaging while providing continuous, accurate pelvic motion data during functional activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model of pelvic motion by mounting sensors on the patient's anatomy. These sensors capture and transmit data about pelvic tilt during various functional positions, providing a virtual representation of pelvic motion that replaces the need for multiple physical radiographic images.
2Ease of operation
If general 'safe zone' placement guidelines (40° inclination, 15° anteversion) are used, then device complexity and ease of operation are improved, but reliability is worsened due to impingement and dislocation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from universal, one-size-fits-all safe zone guidelines to patient-specific implant placement parameters. By measuring each patient's actual pelvic tilt during functional activities, the system determines customized inclination and version angles that account for individual anatomical variations and movement patterns, thereby improving reliability while maintaining surgical feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback from actual patient pelvic motion measurements into the surgical planning process. Sensors capture real pelvic tilt data during functional positions, and this feedback is used to adjust and optimize implant placement parameters specifically for that patient, rather than relying on general population-based guidelines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If patient-specific pelvic motion measurements are obtained through imaging, then adaptability to individual patient needs is improved, but loss of time and increased device complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic functional positioning of the patient (standing, sitting, squatting, etc.) during sensor-based measurements. The sensors continuously capture pelvic tilt data as the patient moves through these predefined functional positions, enabling comprehensive pelvic motion assessment without requiring time-consuming radiographic imaging sequences.
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 allows for more accurate placement of acetabular implants, reducing the risk of impingement and dislocation by accounting for individual pelvic motion and minimizing radiation exposure through image-free measurement modes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors to be placed on the patient and operable to provide a first measurement taken with the patient in a first functional position to establish an initial sensor tilt angle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for planning placement of an acetabular implant for a patient based on pelvic tilt. The system includes one or more sensors to be placed on the patient to provide measurements of a pelvic tilt angle of the patient taken with the patient in various functional positions to produce patient-specific data based on pelvic tilt from which to plan an inclination angle and a version angle of the acetabular implant for the patient.