Dynamic Knee Joint Evaluation Using Biomechanical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating knee joint function and pathologies are limited by their static nature and subjectivity, failing to provide a precise and reliable assessment of dynamic knee joint movements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize biomechanical sensors to collect data on knee joint movements, generating a biomechanical profile which is then classified using pattern recognition techniques to identify and characterize knee joint problems, allowing for dynamic evaluation and classification of injuries and pathologies without requiring advance input on probable classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static imaging methods (X-rays, MRI, CT-Scans) are used to evaluate knee joint function, then detailed structural information is obtained, but the ability to evaluate dynamic functional aspects during movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static imaging to dynamic evaluation by capturing knee joint movements during actual physical activity. The system uses motion capture technology to track and analyze joint kinematics in real-time, enabling functional assessment during movement rather than in static positions only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual testing methods with optical motion capture systems and computer vision technology. This substitution enables objective, quantitative measurement of joint movement parameters without relying on manual manipulation or patient compliance with static positioning.
2Ease of operation
If manual testing methods (ligament laxity tests) are used to evaluate knee joints, then functional assessment is performed, but subjectivity and patient compliance issues reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-measurement where the patient's own movement naturally generates the data needed for evaluation. The motion capture system automatically tracks joint kinematics during unprompted or standardized movements, eliminating the need for examiner manipulation and reducing subjectivity inherent in manual testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides objective feedback through automated analysis of motion capture data. Computer algorithms process the captured movement data to generate quantitative metrics of joint function, replacing subjective clinical judgment with reproducible, data-driven assessment that can be consistently applied across different patients and evaluators.
3Measurement precision
If static evaluation methods (such as KT-1000) are used to measure anteroposterior movement, then translation quantification is achieved, but the ability to evaluate evolution during movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement throughout the entire range of motion rather than discrete static snapshots. The motion capture system records joint kinematics continuously during movement, capturing the evolution of joint parameters over time and enabling analysis of dynamic patterns that static methods inherently miss.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present document describes an apparatus and method for identifying and characterizing a problem of a knee joint. In accordance with an embodiment, the method comprises receiving biomechanical data from sensors and generating a biomechanical profile based on the biomechanical data, the biomechanical data being representative of a movement of the knee joint. The method also involves, in a processing device, classifying the biomechanical profile of the knee joint in one of multiple classes of knee joint problems by applying a pattern recognition technique to a normative biomechanical profile associated to the one of the multiple classes, each one of the multiple classes corresponding to at least one knee joint problem; based on the classifying, identifying the problem as comprising the at least one knee joint problem of the one of the multiple classes; and archiving the problem identified in a storing device to make the problem accessible during consultation.