Bone Deformity Correction Planning With Automated Fixation Frames

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the optimal configuration of fixation frames for correcting bone deformities using external fixation systems is complex and difficult, especially with increasing complexity, decreasing the attractiveness of using such systems.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based method for generating a correction plan that includes inputting bone images, identifying anatomical landmarks, and autonomously generating graphical models of fixation rings and struts, allowing for graphical manipulation and determination of strut combinations, with the option for manual adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external fixation devices become more complex to correct severe bone deformities, then the correction capability is improved, but the difficulty of determining optimal strut lengths and positions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection capabilityVSAvoidfixation frame complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical determination of strut configurations with an automated computer-based system that uses image processing and algorithms to calculate optimal strut lengths and positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between complex correction capabilities and the difficulty of determining configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the software to autonomously generate correction plans and determine optimal fixation frame configurations without requiring manual calculation, thus maintaining high adaptability while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If external fixation devices become more complex to correct severe bone deformities, then the correction capability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection capabilityVSAvoidease of determining configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual determination processes with an automated computer-based system that processes medical images and algorithms to generate correction plans, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining complex correction capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The software acts as an intermediary between the complex fixation device and the user, translating medical images and device parameters into optimal configuration recommendations, thus making complex devices easier to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual determination of strut configurations is used, then flexibility in adjustment is maintained, but the time and effort required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in adjustmentVSAvoidtime for determining configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal strut configurations before surgery using medical images and algorithms, thereby reducing the time and effort required during actual device assembly while maintaining flexibility through subsequent manual adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260013943A1Software for use with deformity correction

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method of generating a correction plan for correcting a deformed bone includes inputting to a computer system a first image of the deformed bone in a first plane and inputting to the computer system a second image of the deformed bone in a second plane. Image processing techniques are employed to identify a plurality of anatomical landmarks of the deformed bone in the first image. The first image of the deformed bone is displayed on a display device. A graphical of the deformed bone is autonomously generated and graphically overlaid on the first image of the deformed bone on the display device, the graphical template including a plurality of lines, each line connected at each end to a landmark point corresponding to one of the anatomical landmarks. A model of the deformed bone may be autonomously generated based on the graphical template.