Dimensioned Grid for Hip Arthroplasty Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical positioning systems for hip arthroplasty face challenges in accurately placing acetabular components due to variability in patient pelvis position during surgery, with existing solutions being either invasive or not adaptable to various applications.
Innovation Solution
A movable dimensioned grid system with radio-opaque patterns and a substrate for imaging, allowing for precise measurement and alignment of surgical variables, integrated into a procedure room table mat or as a disposable fluoroscopic grid-drape, which can attach to imaging devices, and includes methods for distortion correction in anatomical images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance is used to assess radiographic parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but implant placement precision does not achieve desired accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pelvic positioning indicator as an intermediary device that mediates between the patient's pelvis and the imaging system. This indicator provides known reference geometry that enables accurate determination of pelvis orientation and position, which in turn enables precise implant placement. The indicator acts as a mediator that translates anatomical variability into measurable, correctable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct implant position to pelvis orientation parameters. By first determining pelvis orientation using the positioning indicator with known geometry, the system can then calculate the correct implant placement parameters. This parameter transformation enables indirect but more accurate control of implant placement precision.
2Ease of operation
If qualitative markers like transverse acetabular ligament are used to guide acetabular component orientation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to anatomical deterioration from arthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces degraded anatomical markers (transverse acetabular ligament) with an artificial intermediary marker (pelvic positioning indicator) that has known, reliable geometry. This indicator is not subject to arthritic deterioration and provides consistent reference points for orientation measurement, maintaining both ease of use and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an artificial copy of the reference marker function. Instead of relying on the patient's own anatomical landmarks which may be degraded, the system uses a standardized positioning indicator that replicates the reference marker function with known, invariant geometry. This copied reference system is immune to anatomical deterioration.
3Manufacturing precision
If a tripod device using ipsilateral hemi pelvis anatomy is used to position the prosthetic acetabular component, then implant placement precision is improved, but the device becomes invasive and less adaptable to various applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of anatomical reference from the invasive tripod device. Instead of using three points on the patient's anatomy, the system uses a positioning indicator with known geometry that can be positioned non-invasively. This extracts the reference function while removing the invasive elements, enabling adaptability across different surgical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning indicator that can be used across multiple surgical applications and patient anatomies. The indicator with known geometry serves as a universal reference that works regardless of patient-specific anatomical variations, making the system adaptable to various procedures and patients without requiring custom invasive devices.
4Ease of operation
If the position of the patient's pelvis is allowed to vary during surgery, then ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but implant placement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the positioning indicator provides continuous reference information about pelvis orientation and position. This feedback enables the surgical team to determine the actual pelvis position at any point during surgery and make real-time adjustments to ensure accurate implant placement, regardless of pelvis movement or positioning changes.
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 determination and measurement of leg length, offset, and cup position during arthroplasty surgery, improving implant placement precision and adaptability across different surgical applications without being invasive.
Implementation Method 1
A movable dimensioned grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque patterns corresponding to a plurality of surgical variables
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical positioning system is provided that includes a dimensioned grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines corresponding to surgical variables and a substrate connected to or integral with the grid. This system is used to obtain subject specific data from an image of a subject obtained during a surgical procedure by following the steps of: providing a grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines relating to surgical variables; placing the subject on a substrate; and obtaining subject specific data from an image of said subject. This invention relates to an apparatus made of a grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines relating to surgical variables and a sealable container sized to receive the dimensioned grid.