Arthroscopic Anchor Sensing for Bone Quality and Suture Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical anchor systems lack the ability to accurately assess bone quality and adjust the number of anchors and suture tension based on real-time bone conditions, leading to potential anchor pull-outs and failures during surgical repairs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an anchor punch with a sensor to measure hole-making force, an anchor inserter with a torque gauge, and a controller to provide recommendations for anchor placement and suture tension based on bone quality estimates, using sensors and calibration formulas to illuminate light indicators and audible alarms for optimal anchor and suture tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed number of anchors is used for surgical repair, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but anchor pull-outs and failures may occur due to varying bone quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of bone quality using sensors (durometer, torque gauge) before anchor implantation to determine the appropriate number of anchors needed, preventing both insufficient and excessive anchor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback from bone quality sensors during the surgical procedure, allowing dynamic adjustment of the number of anchors to be implanted based on actual bone conditions detected during punch and insertion operations
2Strength
If the number of anchors is increased to ensure fixation, then anchor pull-out resistance improves, but surgical time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the optimal number of anchors in advance based on pre-operative bone quality assessment, avoiding both under- and over-implantation and reducing surgical time by eliminating trial-and-error approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the required number of anchors based on objective bone quality measurements, eliminating the need for surgeon estimation and reducing variability in surgical procedures
3Reliability
If suture tension is applied without real-time monitoring, then the repair procedure is faster, but suture failure may occur due to improper tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses strain sensors to provide real-time feedback on suture tension during the repair procedure, allowing the surgeon to apply optimal tension and preventing both under-tensioning and over-tensioning that could lead to failure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces subjective mechanical assessment of suture tension with objective electronic sensing and measurement, providing precise quantitative data on tension levels throughout the repair process
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 by providing real-time recommendations for anchor placement and suture tension, reducing the risk of anchor failures and improving surgical outcomes by ensuring proper anchor integration and suture tensioning.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor punch can include a sensor, such as a durometer, that can measure a force required to make a hole in the bone for an anchor
Implementation Method 2
The anchor inserter can include a sensor, such as a torque gauge, that can measure a torque required to insert the anchor into the bone
Implementation Method 3
The suture can include a strain gauge that can be used to determine a tension in the suture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems for implanting anchors and method of use thereof. The systems and methods can include an anchor punch, an anchor inserter, and a controller. The anchor punch can include an anchor punch sensor. The anchor inserter can include an anchor inserter sensor. The controller can be in electrical communication with the anchor punch sensor and the anchor inserter sensor. The controller can be operative to perform operations that include receiving an anchor punch sensor signal from the anchor punch sensor, recommending a number of anchors to be implanted in the bone based on a first estimate of the bone quality, receiving an anchor inserter signal from the anchor inserter sensor, and recommending a number of additional anchors to be implanted in the bone based on a second estimate of the bone quality.