Sensor-Guided Arthroscopic Anchor Fixation for Bone Quality Feedback

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 that uses signals from these sensors to recommend the number of anchors and adjust based on bone quality estimates, along with a suture strain sensor to ensure proper tension, providing visual and audible feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anchor systems are used without sensors, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of anchor fixation is insufficient due to inability to assess bone quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor fixation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary bone quality assessment using sensors in the anchor punch and inserter before final anchor implantation. This allows the surgeon to evaluate bone characteristics and determine the optimal number of anchors needed in advance, improving fixation reliability without adding excessive complexity to the actual implantation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on bone quality during the surgical procedure. The anchor punch sensor measures forces during hole creation, and the anchor inserter sensor measures forces during anchor insertion, allowing dynamic adjustment of the surgical plan based on actual bone conditions, thereby enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If a fixed number of anchors is implanted without assessment, then the ease of operation is high, but the manufacturing precision of the surgical outcome is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical outcome precisionVSAvoidsurgical procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary bone quality assessment using sensors in the anchor punch and inserter before final anchor implantation. This allows the surgeon to evaluate bone characteristics and determine the optimal number of anchors needed in advance, improving fixation reliability without adding excessive complexity to the actual implantation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on bone quality during the surgical procedure. The anchor punch sensor measures forces during hole creation, and the anchor inserter sensor measures forces during anchor insertion, allowing dynamic adjustment of the surgical plan based on actual bone conditions, thereby enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If suture tension is applied without monitoring, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of the repair is reduced due to improper tensioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepair reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suture strain sensor provides real-time feedback on suture tension during the repair procedure. This allows the surgeon to monitor and adjust tension to optimal levels, ensuring reliable repair without excessive device complexity. The feedback mechanism enables precise control of the critical tension parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces subjective mechanical judgment of suture tension with objective sensor-based measurement. The suture strain sensor electronically measures tension forces, substituting the traditional mechanical feel-based method with a more precise and reliable electronic measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 by recommending optimal anchor placement and tensioning, reducing the risk of anchor failures and improving surgical outcomes by adapting to varying bone qualities.

Implementation Method 1

an anchor punch with a sensor to measure hole-making force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Implementation Method 2

an anchor inserter with a torque gauge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Implementation Method 3

a suture strain sensor to ensure proper tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension measurement: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12496058B2Sensor-based arthroscopic anchor system

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 BIOMET MFG LLC

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.