Acoustic Bone Healing Sensor for Quantitative Osteogenesis Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing bone healing are subjective and lack quantitative measurement, relying on X-rays and palpations that can be unreliable, especially for asymmetric healing and do not account for individual healing rates.
Innovation Solution
A device using sensor data from a target site on a bone to provide a quantitative output, employing transmit-receive and pulse-echo sensor modalities to monitor and stimulate osteogenesis, allowing for personalized treatment based on real-time bone healing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray or palpation assessment methods are used to evaluate bone healing, then the assessment can be performed, but the measurement remains subjective and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical assessment methods (X-ray imaging and manual palpation) with acoustic sensing technology. Sensors detect acoustic emissions from the bone fracture site, converting mechanical bone healing processes into measurable acoustic signals that provide objective, quantitative data about healing progress, thereby eliminating subjectivity in assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic emissions as an intermediary medium to assess bone healing. Instead of directly observing bone structure through X-ray or manual examination, the system uses acoustic waves as a mediator to detect and quantify the healing process, providing reliable objective measurements of bone regeneration
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed treatment regimens are used for osteogenesis stimulation, then treatment can be applied, but it does not account for individual patient healing rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where acoustic sensors continuously monitor bone healing progress and provide real-time data to the treatment device. Based on this feedback, the osteogenesis stimulation parameters (pulse frequency, duration, intensity) are automatically adjusted to match each patient's actual healing rate, enabling personalized treatment without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms fixed, static treatment regimens into dynamic, adaptive treatment protocols. The system continuously modifies treatment parameters in real-time based on measured healing progress, allowing the treatment to evolve with the patient's recovery process and accommodate individual variations in healing rates
3Measurement precision
If quantitative measurement of bone healing is implemented, then accurate monitoring is achieved, but reliance on subjective interpretation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms invisible bone healing processes into detectable acoustic signals, analogous to making invisible changes visible. By converting mechanical bone regeneration into acoustic emissions that can be measured and quantified, the system provides objective data that eliminates interpretation subjectivity while preserving all healing information
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
Enables accurate, quantitative monitoring and stimulation of bone healing, reducing reliance on X-rays and allowing for tailored treatment plans, improving the diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures and osteonecrosis.
Implementation Method 1
A device using sensor data from a target site on a bone to provide a quantitative output, employing transmit-receive and pulse-echo sensor modalities
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems and/or methods for monitoring and/or stimulating osteogenesis use sensor data from a target site of a bone to produce a quantitative output that can be used to determine the healing rate of the patient, when the bone at the target has fully consolidated and/or to direct further treatment of the patient.