Cannulated Screw Sensor Support for Orthopaedic Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-assisted orthopaedic surgical procedures face challenges in accurately positioning sensors on patient bones for navigation, particularly in creating a stable and effective fluid communication pathway within the bone to facilitate accurate bone cement interdigitation and venting during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgical instrument featuring a cannulated Schanz screw with a sensor support system, including adjustable linkage and support arms, which secures sensors to the patient's femur, allowing for precise sensor placement and fluid communication via a suction tube for venting and cement interdigitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor is secured directly to the bone surface, then the sensor placement is simple, but the sensor stability and positioning precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor support instrument as an intermediary device between the bone and the sensor. This support instrument includes a cannulated screw that penetrates the bone and a support body that holds the sensor, creating a stable intermediate structure that ensures both easy placement and high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor support instrument is divided into multiple functional segments: a cannulated screw for bone anchoring, a support body for sensor mounting, and optional support arms for additional stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor support instrument with multiple components is used, then the sensor positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sensor support instrument. The cannulated screw, support body, and sensor mounting mechanism are merged into one device that can be implanted and configured in a single surgical procedure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor support instrument is designed with multi-functionality: the cannulated screw provides both anchoring and fluid communication functions, the support body offers sensor mounting and structural support, and the device can be adapted to different bone types and sensor configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If the medullary canal is not vented during bone cement application, then the procedure is simpler, but the bone cement interdigitation is poor and impaction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cannulated screw acts as an intermediary channel that provides a controlled pathway from the medullary canal to the external environment. This allows bone cement to flow through the screw's cannulated bore, enabling proper venting and interdigitation without complex additional venting procedures.
4Productivity
If a cannulated screw is used for sensor support, then fluid communication for venting is enabled, but the risk of bone damage or sensor displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support body and optional support arms are designed to distribute mechanical loads and provide structural cushioning around the cannulated screw. This prevents stress concentration that could damage the bone or displace the sensor, while maintaining the fluid communication pathway for efficient venting.
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 accurate sensor placement, effective venting of the medullary canal, and improved bone cement interdigitation, reducing the need for impaction and enhancing the precision and efficiency of orthopaedic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The cannulated screw may be coupled to a negative pressure source via a suction tube thereby placing the medullary canal of the patient's bone in fluid communication with the negative pressure source
Implementation Method 2
A negative pressure source may be coupled to the outer end of the screw via a suction tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a computer-assisted orthopaedic procedure includes securing a sensor support instrument to the patient's bone. A number of sensors are secured to the support instrument. A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.