Ball-and-Socket Prosthetic Joint Sensing for Intraoperative Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic surgery procedures for joint replacement lack real-time quantitative measurement data, leading to significant variation and reliance on surgeon skill for adapting prosthetic components to individual patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic orthopedic measurement system with sensors that provide real-time data on force, pressure, and alignment during joint installation, using a ball and socket joint system for prosthetic components, including a measurement device with load sensors and a graphical user interface for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional orthopedic surgery procedures are used for joint replacement, then the procedure can be performed with standardized tools and methods, but real-time quantitative measurement data is lacking leading to significant variation and reliance on surgeon skill
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is nested within the prosthetic joint components themselves. Load sensors are integrated into the acetabular cup and femoral head, allowing measurement functionality to be embedded within the existing joint structure without requiring separate external measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical assessment methods (visual inspection, manual manipulation) are replaced with electronic sensing systems. Load sensors, position sensors, and force sensors provide automated quantitative measurements, substituting mechanical judgment with electronic detection and data processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prosthetic components are adapted to individual patient needs using available tools, then customization is achieved through surgeon skill, but the procedure lacks objective quantitative guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system provides real-time feedback during the surgical procedure. Sensors continuously monitor load, position, and force parameters, displaying data that guides surgeons in making informed decisions about component positioning and alignment, enabling objective quantitative guidance for customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is installed and calibrated before the actual joint replacement procedure begins. This preliminary setup ensures that all measurement systems are ready and functioning, allowing immediate quantitative assessment as soon as prosthetic components are introduced, without interrupting the surgical flow.
3Productivity
If standardized joint replacement procedures are used, then the procedure can be efficiently performed across wide distribution, but significant variation exists from patient to patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors and measures multiple parameters simultaneously (load, position, force, range of motion) to objectively assess joint installation quality. By tracking these parameters in real-time, the system provides quantitative criteria for evaluating whether standardized procedures have been correctly applied, enabling consistent quality control across different patients and surgeons.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a ball and socket joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.