Dynamic Distractor with Sensor Feedback for Orthopedic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic surgery lacks real-time data feedback on implant alignment, loading, and balance, leading to variations in surgical outcomes and limited long-term integrity assessment.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic distractor device equipped with sensors that measures and adjusts implant loading, positioning, and balance during surgery, providing quantitative data to surgeons for optimal implant placement and post-operative assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orthopedic surgery is performed using traditional standardized tools and empirical data, then surgical procedures can be completed, but surgical outcomes vary and long-term implant integrity cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors within the distractor device that continuously monitor and provide real-time feedback on implant alignment, loading forces, and joint balance during surgery. This feedback loop enables surgeons to make immediate adjustments to achieve optimal implant positioning and loading conditions, thereby improving surgical outcome consistency and eliminating the information gap about implant status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgeons rely on skill-based adjustments for individual skeletal variations, then customizations can be made, but there is no objective data to guide adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective, skill-based surgical adjustments with objective, sensor-driven measurements. The distractor device incorporates force sensors, position sensors, and alignment indicators that provide quantitative data on implant positioning and loading, allowing surgeons to make precise, data-guided adjustments rather than relying solely on experience and tactile feedback.
3Productivity
If orthopedic implant procedures are standardized, then general applicability is achieved, but individual patient optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, standardized implant procedure into a dynamic, adaptive process. The distractor device allows real-time adjustment of implant positioning and loading conditions based on sensor feedback, enabling the surgical procedure to be optimized for each individual patient while maintaining overall procedural efficiency through systematic data collection and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment is directed to a dynamic distractor (1 00) for distracting bones of a muscular-skeletal system. The dynamic distractor (100) includes at least one sensor (108, 110) which can provide loading, loading differential and position information as well as other measured parameters, a handle (112, 804), a lift mechanism (302), and one or more alignment aid (502, 802). The position and measurement sensors (108, 110) communicate with the processing unit (406) to display, process, and store measured data. A rod (604) couples a cutting block (602) to the distractor (100). The rod (604) also fixes a position of a cutting block (602) in relation to the distractor (100). The cutting block (602) is coupled to the distractor (100) to stabilize and align the muscular-skeletal system while shaping a bone.