Bone Resistance Measurement Tool for Osteoporosis Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing the local mechanical resistance within porous bone structures are unreliable and invasive, particularly when trying to determine the quality of fixation elements in areas of varying density or porosity, as they often rely on global data or surface measurements that do not accurately represent the specific insertion site.
Innovation Solution
A device capable of measuring mechanical resistance dynamically by drilling a hole and inserting a tool with blades to measure torsional force and twisting angle, allowing for continuous data recording and comparison to standardized values, which can be stored and processed for accurate prediction of fixation quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive methods (microwaves, radiogrammetry, NMR) are used to characterize bone porosity, then patient safety is improved, but measurement precision of local mechanical resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely non-invasive physical fields (microwaves, NMR) with a minimally invasive mechanical measurement system that uses a drilled hole and rotational tool to directly measure mechanical resistance, achieving superior local measurement precision while maintaining patient safety through controlled minimal invasion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drill hole as an intermediary access path that allows the measuring tool to reach hidden internal regions of the bone without requiring extensive surgical exposure, enabling precise local measurement while minimizing overall surgical trauma
2Ease of operation
If surface hardness measurement is used to assess bone quality, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision of local mechanical resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bone structure into accessible surface regions and hidden internal regions, using the drill hole to access the internal spongiosa layer where fixation elements will actually be placed, allowing separate measurement of surface and internal mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface hardness measurement to three-dimensional internal mechanical resistance measurement by drilling through the cortical bone surface into the spongiosa, enabling assessment of the actual insertion site properties
3Ease of operation
If static measurement at a specific site is performed, then measurement simplicity is improved, but reliability of fixation quality prediction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement by continuously rotating the tool with blades through the spongiosa and recording mechanical resistance as a function of rotation angle and depth, providing comprehensive characterization of the bone structure rather than a single static value
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous measurement action during tool rotation through the bone, recording mechanical resistance continuously or at multiple discrete angles (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to capture the anisotropic properties of the spongiosa structure
4Device complexity
If measuring instrument tip is not guided during impact measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary drilling of a guide hole before insertion of the measuring tool, creating a predetermined path that guides the tool tip to the exact measurement location in the spongiosa, ensuring consistent and repeatable measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-drilled hole acts as an intermediary guide structure that directs the measuring tool along a controlled path, eliminating the need for complex real-time guidance systems while ensuring measurement accuracy at the target site
5Measurement precision
If high torsional force is applied to measure mechanical resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but bone structure damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using moderate torsional forces sufficient to rotate the blade through the spongiosa and engage the cortical bone, rather than excessive forces that would cause damage, achieving adequate measurement precision with minimal trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high torsional force into a beneficial measurement signal by using the resistance encountered during controlled rotation as the measurement parameter, where the force needed to rotate the blade through different bone densities provides direct information about mechanical resistance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables nondestructive, accurate measurement of local mechanical resistance within porous bone structures, providing reliable data for predicting the quality of fixation elements, especially in osteoporotic bones, with the ability to display results and guide implant placement for improved surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the torsional force and/or the twisting angle
Implementation Method 2
drilling of a hole through a first part of a porous bone structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and device for determining the local mechanical resistance inside of a porous body having a variable density and/or porosity, e.g. a porous bone the method comprising: selecting a site of said porous body destined to receive a fixation element, in particular a screw or a bone implant; drilling a hole into said porous body; and measuring a mechanical parameter of the porous structure surrounding said drilled hole by inserting a suitable tool (1) into said drill hole. The device comprises : A) a tool (1) with a shank (4) designed such that it is insertable into a hole artificially drilled into said body and that is capable of exerting a torsional force on said porous structure surrounding said drilled hole by inserting said shank (4) of the tool (1 ) into said drill hole; B) a measuring unit (20) determining elastic or destructive properties of said porous body generated by torsion force of said tool in said porous body; C) displaying properties of said porous body determined by said measuring unit (20).