Bone Orientation Sensors for Real-Time Anatomic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring anatomic alignment in orthopedic surgeries, especially minimally invasive procedures, are imprecise and subjective, leading to variable surgical outcomes and increased radiation exposure due to reliance on intra-operative imaging and complex computer-assisted systems that are costly and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing orientation sensors to register anatomic reference planes and axes, allowing for real-time estimation of alignment between bones in multiple planes, with sensors attached to bones to provide precise and accurate alignment data without the need for bulky tracking equipment or ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intra-operative imaging is used to measure anatomic alignment, then measurement capability is provided, but radiation exposure to patient and surgical team increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imaging-based measurement systems with a mechanical sensor-based system. Orientation sensors attached to bones directly measure anatomic alignment through mechanical detection, eliminating the need for repeated intra-operative imaging and thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy of the anatomic structure by attaching sensors directly to bones, allowing continuous measurement without repeatedly imaging the actual anatomy. This sensor-based copy provides real-time alignment data without the harmful effects of repeated radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If complex computer-assisted surgical systems are used to estimate anatomic alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex computer-assisted systems by using simple orientation sensors attached directly to bones. This eliminates the need for bulky tracking equipment, complex optical systems, and specialized software, while maintaining measurement precision through direct mechanical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive orientation sensors that can be attached directly to bones without requiring complex infrastructure. These sensors provide reliable measurements without the high cost and complexity of commercial computer-assisted surgical systems, making the technology accessible and easy to use.
3Strength
If minimally invasive surgical procedures are used, then surgical trauma is reduced, but surgical visibility and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces orientation sensors as intermediaries between the surgeon and the bone anatomy. These sensors are attached percutaneously or minimally invasively and provide real-time alignment data, enabling accurate measurement in minimally invasive procedures without requiring extensive surgical exposure or complex imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces imaging-based measurement systems with direct mechanical sensing through orientation sensors attached to bones. This allows accurate anatomic alignment measurement in minimally invasive procedures without compromising surgical visibility or requiring repeated radiation exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for estimating anatomic alignment between two or more bones are described herein. An example method can include registering an anatomic reference frame. Additionally, the method can include establishing a respective rotational relationship between each of one or more bones and an orientation sensor attached to each of the one or more bones. The method can also include receiving, from each of the orientation sensors, orientation information, and then calculating an orientation of a bone relative to the anatomic reference frame. The method can further include calculating, using the respective orientations of the bones relative to the anatomic reference frame, an anatomic alignment parameter between first and second bones.