External Fixator Strut Indicators for Accurate Patient Adjustments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting bone alignment devices, such as external fixators, is a challenging and error-prone process for patients, often leading to incorrect strut adjustments that can cause significant setbacks in bone alignment treatment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment compliance device is attached to the external fixator, featuring indicator elements that provide real-time feedback and guidance on which strut to adjust, in which direction, and by how much, aligning with a predetermined prescription.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of struts is performed by patients or healthcare professionals, then the adjustment process can be carried out, but errors occur in identifying and adjusting the correct strut
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates indicator elements that provide real-time visual feedback to guide users in identifying and adjusting the correct strut. The indicators display information about which strut should be adjusted and by how much, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents errors and ensures accurate adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment compliance device acts as an intermediary between the prescription information and the patient/user. It translates complex adjustment prescriptions into simple visual indicators that point to the specific strut needing adjustment, mediating the information flow and eliminating confusion.
2Productivity
If multiple struts are adjusted regularly according to a prescription, then bone alignment can be achieved, but the complexity of tracking which strut to adjust increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the complex adjustment task into discrete, manageable segments by providing separate indicator elements for each strut. Each indicator clearly shows the status and adjustment requirements for its associated strut, breaking down the overall complex adjustment process into simple, sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator elements utilize color changes to convey different states and information about strut adjustments. Different colors indicate different adjustment statuses or requirements, providing an intuitive visual coding system that simplifies tracking multiple struts without increasing cognitive complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If patients perform strut adjustments independently, then treatment continuity is maintained, but compliance with the prescription decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to independently perform accurate adjustments by providing them with all necessary guidance information through the indicator elements. The system is self-explanatory and does not require external assistance, allowing patients to maintain treatment continuity while ensuring compliance through clear visual instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator elements provide continuous feedback to patients about their adjustment progress and correctness. This real-time feedback mechanism helps patients understand whether they are performing adjustments correctly, maintaining motivation and compliance over the extended treatment duration.
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
The device enhances patient compliance with the adjustment prescription, improving the likelihood of successful bone alignment by ensuring correct strut adjustments are made accurately and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the light element may include a light emitting diode (LED) light element configured to emit a plurality of colors of light
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment compliance device and systems and methods for use with an external fixator are disclosed. The adjustment compliance device can be attached to a strut of an external fixator and may include at least one indicator element to indicate adjustment parameters for an active step of an adjustment process for the external fixator. The adjustment parameters may include an active strut and/or a direction of adjustment for the strut. The adjustment compliance device may receive the adjustment parameters from a user device. The at least one indicator element may include a light element operative to emit light in a color corresponding to the active strut. The at least one indicator element may include a light element configured to indicate a direction of rotation of the active strut. As a result, a patient can more effectively comply with an adjustment prescription, thereby improving the likelihood of successful bone alignment.