Sensor-Guided Arthroscopic Anchor Insertion for Bone Quality Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical anchor implantation methods lack precision in determining the number of anchors needed based on bone quality and fail to ensure optimal suture tension, leading to potential anchor pull-outs and failures.
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 recommends anchor numbers based on bone quality estimates from both sensors, along with suture strain sensors to ensure optimal tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of anchors is increased to ensure stability, then the reliability of anchor implantation is improved, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (durometer, torque gauge) to provide real-time feedback on bone quality and anchor insertion parameters. The controller processes this feedback to dynamically determine the optimal number of anchors needed, avoiding unnecessary anchors while ensuring adequate stability. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable implantation with minimal anchors through intelligent decision-making based on actual bone conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of anchor number recommendation based on measured bone quality parameters (durometer readings, torque gauge values). By dynamically adjusting the recommended anchor count according to actual bone conditions rather than using a fixed high number, the system achieves reliability when needed while reducing complexity when bone quality is sufficient, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If sensor-based bone quality assessment is implemented, then the measurement precision of bone quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces sensor-based intermediaries (durometer for bone hardness measurement, torque gauge for insertion force measurement) that objectively quantify bone quality. These intermediaries provide precise measurement data that feeds into the controller's decision-making process. By using these intermediary measurement devices, the system achieves high measurement precision while managing complexity through specialized, purpose-built sensors rather than complex multi-parameter analysis systems.
3Reliability
If suture tension monitoring is added to ensure optimal tension, then the reliability of suture anchoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture strain sensor provides real-time feedback on suture tension to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor whether the suture tension is within the optimal range determined by bone quality assessment. When tension is appropriate, the system can confirm successful anchoring without requiring excessive monitoring complexity, thus improving reliability while managing system complexity through targeted monitoring.
4Productivity
If the number of anchors is reduced based on bone quality, then the productivity of surgical procedure is improved, but the reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the anchor number parameter based on measured bone quality parameters (durometer readings, torque gauge values, suture tension). By using objective sensor data to determine the minimum adequate anchor count for each patient's bone conditions, the system achieves higher productivity (fewer anchors = faster surgery) while maintaining reliability through data-driven decisions that ensure sufficient anchoring for each specific bone quality level.
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 precision in anchor implantation by adjusting the number of anchors based on bone quality and ensuring optimal suture tension, reducing the risk of anchor failures and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor punch can include 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 torque gauge that can measure a torque required to insert the anchor into the bone
Implementation Method 3
determining a tension within the suture based on the suture signal
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.