Bone Recovery Marker Placement System Using Digitizer Probe Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for placing recovery markers on bones during orthopedic surgery are inefficient and time-consuming, especially when trying to achieve the required distance for accurate 6-DOF re-registration, often relying on guesswork or physical rulers due to limited bone exposure and the need for precise distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a digitizer probe with a processor to calculate and notify the user when the probe tip is at or beyond a pre-determined distance from the first recovery marker, allowing for precise placement of subsequent markers, facilitating accurate bone re-registration through visual, audible, or haptic feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical ruler or guesswork is used to place recovery markers, then the process is simple to operate, but the placement precision and time efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (physical ruler) with a computer-based digital measurement system. The digitizer probe captures 3D coordinates of bone surface points, and the processor calculates distances digitally, substituting manual mechanical measurement with automated digital computation to achieve higher precision without complex physical measurement tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the bone surface geometry by capturing 3D coordinates with the digitizer probe. This digital replica allows for precise distance calculations and marker placement planning without requiring complex physical measurement devices, resolving the contradiction between precision and device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the bone exposure is limited, then the surgical access is minimized, but the ability to locate suitable marker positions at required distances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D surface measurement to 3D spatial measurement using the digitizer probe. By capturing z-height coordinates in addition to x-y positions, the system can calculate true 3D distances between points on the bone surface, enabling accurate marker placement even when bone exposure is limited to small areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary digital measurement and calculation of optimal marker positions before actual marker placement. The processor identifies suitable locations that satisfy the minimum distance requirement based on the digitized bone surface geometry, allowing the surgeon to place markers accurately without needing extensive bone exposure or complex intraoperative measurements
3Productivity
If the recovery markers are placed closer together, then the installation time is reduced, but the re-registration accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback to the surgeon by calculating and displaying the distance between the first and second recovery markers in real-time during the placement process. The processor compares the measured distance against the pre-determined minimum distance requirement, allowing the surgical team to adjust marker placement to ensure adequate spacing while maintaining efficient workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for flexible marker placement where the second marker can be positioned at any location that satisfies the minimum distance requirement, not necessarily at a fixed predetermined position. This partial action approach enables the surgical team to place markers efficiently at convenient locations while ensuring the distance criterion is met, balancing speed and accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A process and system are provided for placing recovery markers on a bone, prior to surgery, at locations that permit the bone to be re-registered within a desired degree of accuracy. The process includes installing a first recovery marker on the bone, and digitizing a first position with a digitizer probe having a probe tip. Subsequently, a user navigates along a surface of the bone with the probe tip to place a second recovery marker on the bone. A processor calculates a distance between the first recovery marker and the probe tip, and notifies a user when the processor calculates that a probe tip position is at or beyond a pre-determined distance from the first recovery marker. A second recovery marker is installed on the bone at or beyond the pre-determined distance, and is digitized to permit bone re-registration using the first recovery marker and the second recovery marker.