Dynamic Reference Base for Adaptable Hip Surgery Bone Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reference elements for tracking bone position in robot-assisted surgeries require different devices based on patient positioning and surgical area, leading to inefficiencies and limitations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic reference base (DRB) comprising a bridge element with a connecting rod, clamps, pin guides, and a locking nut, allowing secure attachment to bone pins, and an array frame for precise tracking, adaptable to various patient positions and surgical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple different reference elements are used for different patient positions and surgical areas, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and the number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference element is designed with a standardized interface and configuration that allows it to be universally applied across different patient positions (supine, lateral, prone) and surgical areas (acetabulum, femur). The bridge element with clamps and pin guides provides a universal mounting mechanism that adapts to various anatomical locations without requiring different reference element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference element incorporates adjustable components including clamps that can be tightened to different bone structures, pin guides that can be positioned at various angles, and a bridge element that can be configured for different orientations. This dynamic adjustability allows a single reference element design to accommodate multiple surgical scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single dynamic reference base is designed to accommodate all patient positions and surgical areas, then device versatility improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reference element is divided into separate functional modules: a bridge element, clamps for bone attachment, pin guides for positioning, and an array frame for tracking. Each module can be independently adjusted or configured, reducing the complexity of the overall structure while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference element employs a nested configuration where the clamps attach to the bridge element, the pin guides are positioned on the clamps, and the array frame is mounted on the bridge element. This nested arrangement allows compact storage and easy assembly while maintaining the ability to accommodate various surgical configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reference elements are rigidly fixed to bone with multiple fixation structures, then tracking stability improves, but surgical time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference element is pre-configured with clamps, pin guides, and attachment mechanisms before surgery. The bone pins and fixation structures are prepared in advance, allowing for rapid attachment during the surgical procedure without requiring complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism incorporates a self-tightening feature where the clamp automatically secures to the bone pin upon insertion, reducing the need for additional fixation steps. The reference element design allows for self-alignment and self-securing, minimizing surgical time while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic reference base (DRB) and associated method are provided for rigidly affixing an array frame to bone for use in navigated or robotic surgery. The DRB includes a bridge element that includes a connecting rod having a distal end and a proximal end; a clamp coupled to the distal end of the connecting rod; a first and a second pin guide extending distally from the clamp; a locking nut disposed on the clamp; and a clutch coupled to the proximal end of the connecting rod, the clutch being adapted to couple to the array frame. The DRB also includes the array frame, which is couplable to the clutch, and is adapted to include a plurality of tracking markers disposed thereon.