Actuated Joint Balancing Insert for Arthroplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroplasty procedures rely heavily on surgical expertise for balancing artificial joints, which is subjective and prone to misalignment, leading to limited range of motion, pain, and early joint failure due to uneven load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A device with plates, sensors, and actuated mechanisms, such as spring- or pneumatic-actuated systems, is used to accurately measure and adjust joint alignment and force distribution, providing real-time feedback and recommendations for optimal balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and physical assessment by surgeon are used, then joint balancing can be performed, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensors and digital measurement systems. Sensors are integrated into the prosthetic components to automatically measure joint alignment, load distribution, and range of motion, eliminating subjective physical assessment by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems using sensors that continuously monitor joint parameters during surgery and provide data to the surgeon. This allows for immediate adjustment and verification of joint balancing, improving measurement precision through objective, quantifiable data.
2Measurement precision
If simple mechanical measurement devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and load balancing accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into integrated prosthetic components. Sensors for measuring load distribution, alignment, and motion are embedded within the prosthetic joint components themselves, merging the prosthesis and measurement device into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates measurement systems that perform multiple functions simultaneously - measuring alignment, load distribution, range of motion, and stability all through integrated sensor arrays within the prosthetic components, providing comprehensive assessment through a single universal device.
3Reliability
If subjective surgeon assessment is used for joint balancing, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and consistency of results worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to automatically assess and evaluate joint balancing without requiring subjective surgeon interpretation. The sensors and processing systems automatically calculate alignment parameters, load distribution metrics, and provide objective feedback on balancing status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time objective feedback to the surgeon through digital displays and alerts, indicating when optimal alignment and load distribution are achieved. This feedback system maintains ease of operation by guiding the surgeon through the balancing process with clear, data-driven recommendations.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise bone cuts and component positioning are performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment jigs and positioning devices with electronic sensors and digital guidance systems. The sensors provide real-time data on component positioning relative to anatomical landmarks and pre-planned alignment targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-operative imaging and planning data to create digital models of the patient's anatomy, which are then used to guide component positioning during surgery. The measurement system compares actual positioning against the digital plan to ensure precision.
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
The solution enables precise and dynamic adjustments, improving joint balance and reducing the risk of misalignment, thereby enhancing the longevity and functionality of artificial joints.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, at least one actuated mechanism is a spring-actuated mechanism
Implementation Method 2
In another embodiment, at least one actuated mechanism is a pneumatic-actuated mechanism. A pressurizing apparatus is used to pressurize the pneumatic-actuated mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A joint balancing insert with an actuated mechanism is for balancing a joint during a joint surgery is disclosed. The joint balancing insert includes a first plate, a second plate and an actuator there between. The second plate includes an integrated mounting portion for mounting a cutting block used to guide surgical cuts of the joint during the joint surgery. Various configurations of the integrated mounting portion may be implemented in the insert to provide for mounting various types of cutting blocks, such as cutting blocks for tibial cuts, femoral cuts, and distal femoral cuts.