Adjustable Arthroplasty Insert for Patient-Specific Joint Kinematics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic procedures for knee replacement lack personalized customization based on patient-specific criteria, leading to subjective decisions and suboptimal post-operative outcomes.
Innovation Solution
An insert for orthopedic procedures that can be modified in situ using sensors and control algorithms to achieve desired joint kinematics, allowing for personalized adjustments in shape and size based on real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional standard bearing component designs are used, then the surgical process is simplified, but patient-specific customization and optimal joint kinematics cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates a programmable controller that dynamically adjusts the shape of the proximal surface during the patient's activity cycle based on real-time sensor feedback. The controller modifies bladder inflation patterns to adapt the insert's geometry to changing joint kinematics, enabling patient-specific customization without requiring complex pre-surgical planning or multiple trial components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the insert by controlling the inflation and deflation of internal bladders. The controller adjusts bladder volume and pressure in response to sensor data, dynamically altering the proximal surface shape to optimize joint kinematics for each patient's unique anatomy and movement patterns, thereby achieving customization without increasing surgical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standard insert designs are carried as inventory, then surgical options are available, but surgical complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single insert design with multiple internal bladders controlled by a programmable controller can assume multiple functional configurations. The controller programs the bladders to create different proximal surface shapes during different phases of the activity cycle, allowing one insert to provide the functional variety of multiple standard designs while eliminating the need to carry diverse inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can change its effective design during operation. By programmatically controlling bladder inflation patterns in response to sensor feedback, a single insert can emulate multiple standard bearing component designs, reducing inventory requirements while maintaining design versatility.
3Ease of operation
If subjective surgical decisions are made based on surgeon judgment, then the surgical process is straightforward, but post-operative patient satisfaction varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor joint kinematics and provide real-time feedback to a programmable controller. The controller uses this objective data to automatically adjust insert shape and optimize joint kinematics, replacing subjective surgeon judgment with objective, measurable parameters. This ensures consistent, reliable outcomes based on actual patient anatomy and movement patterns rather than surgeon experience alone.
4Ease of manufacture
If insert shape is fixed during manufacturing, then manufacturing is simpler, but in-situ customization for optimal kinematics is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates internal bladders that can be inflated and deflated to dynamically change the proximal surface shape after implantation. The programmable controller adjusts bladder volume in response to sensor feedback during patient activity, enabling in-situ customization without complicating the base manufacturing process. The manufacturing remains relatively simple, producing an insert with internal cavities for bladders, while the post-manufacturing adaptability is achieved through the programmable fluid control system.
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
Enhances surgical precision, reduces complexity, and improves patient satisfaction by ensuring optimal joint kinematics and range of motion through personalized insert modifications.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of bladders expandable and contractible in volume; a proximal surface shapable by a change in the volume of one or more of the plurality of bladders
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatuses including an insert having a body with a plurality of bladders therein, a proximal surface and a distal surface. Two or more of the plurality of bladders are in fluid communication with one another. The plurality of bladders are expandable and contractible in volume. The proximal surface shapable by a change in the volume of one or more of the plurality of bladders. The proximal surface is configured to interface with a first arthroplasty implant of the patient. The distal surface is spaced from the proximal surface by the body and is configured to interface with a second arthroplasty implant of the patient.