Bone Incision Block Registration for Arthroplasty Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computer-assisted knee arthroplasty, adjusting bone incision blocks to align with a target incision plane is challenging due to unclear assignment of operating elements to degrees of freedom, often requiring iterative procedures and operator expertise, especially when the incision block is unfavorably arranged on the bone.

Innovation Solution

A settable bone incision block with a registration element and adjustment device, combined with a software algorithm and user interface, allows for precise determination of necessary setting movements by ascertaining the spatial position of the adjustment device relative to the bone, providing instructions to align the incision guide with the target plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the incision block is fastened to the bone in an unfavorable arrangement, then the operating elements are not clearly assigned to the degrees of freedom of the incision plane, but the incision block can still be positioned on the bone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincision block arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment operation clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system provides real-time feedback to the operator about the current position and orientation of the incision guide relative to the target incision plane. The system displays the actual incision plane and compares it with the target plane, showing the operator exactly how the adjustment elements affect the incision plane orientation, thereby clarifying the assignment between operating elements and degrees of freedom even in unfavorable arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The navigation system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the incision block adjustment process. It translates complex spatial relationships and multiple degree of freedom interactions into simple visual feedback and step-by-step adjustment instructions, mediating the complexity of unfavorable arrangements and making the adjustment process intuitive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the incision block is unfavorably arranged on the bone, then direct adjusting using the interdependence of the functional members is not possible, but an iterative procedure may be necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincision block positioning flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system calculates and provides preliminary adjustment instructions before the operator performs adjustments. It determines the optimal sequence of adjustments and provides step-by-step guidance, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative trial-and-error procedures that would otherwise be necessary with unfavorable arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the incision plane position and provides feedback on how close the current configuration is to the target plane. This real-time feedback allows the operator to make precise adjustments in a single pass rather than requiring multiple iterative adjustments, significantly reducing the time loss associated with unfavorable arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the incision block is unfavorably arranged on the bone, then it is difficult to set the incision guide in accordance with target incision plane and presets without assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincision block arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidincision plane setting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system provides self-service guidance that empowers the operator to independently set the incision guide according to the target plane. The system automatically calculates adjustment parameters and provides step-by-step instructions, making the complex task of setting the incision plane as easy as following a checklist, thereby achieving ease of operation even with unfavorable arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The navigation system serves as an intelligent intermediary that translates the complex relationship between block arrangement, adjustment elements, and target plane into simple operational guidance. It mediates the difficulty by providing real-time calculations and step-by-step instructions, making the setting process accessible even to operators without extensive experience with unfavorable arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7670345B2User guidance in adjusting bone incision blocks

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 BRAINLAB AG

AI summary

A bone incision block includes an incision guide, a localization reference adjustably attached to the incision guide, a fastener for fastening to a bone, and an adjustment device. The incision guide defines an incision plane, and the localization reference enables the incision plane to be spatially determined. The adjustment device is operatively coupled between the fastener and the incision guide, wherein the incision plane can be set relative to the bone via the adjustment device, and a spatial position of the adjustment device can be determined via a registration element.