Haptic Bone Gap Distraction for Ligament Tension Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for measuring bone gaps and ligament tensioning in joint surgeries are cumbersome, lack haptic feedback, and cannot provide controlled distraction of bone surfaces during and after ligament release, leading to potential ligament rupture or fracture risks and improper implant placement.
Innovation Solution
A haptic-based bone gap measuring and distraction system with geometric and non-geometric inserts, levered or advanced between bones, providing controlled distraction and soft tissue tensioning, using a handle and baseplate for precise measurement and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional bone gap measuring instruments are used, then bone gap measurement can be performed, but the instruments are bulky, cumbersome, and cannot provide direct measurement or haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a haptic feedback device as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the bone gap. The device includes a transducer that converts mechanical forces into haptic feedback signals, allowing the surgeon to feel the bone gap distance and ligament tension without requiring bulky traditional measuring instruments. This intermediary device provides both measurement capability and tactile feedback in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measuring instruments with a haptic feedback-based measurement system. Instead of using bulky calipers or dividers that require visual inspection and manual manipulation, the system uses haptic feedback to transmit mechanical information directly to the surgeon's hand, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of knee joint is performed to assess ligament balance, then ligament tension can be evaluated, but the device is expelled from the knee joint requiring repeat insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the device dynamically adaptable to the knee joint environment. The haptic feedback device includes a sensor array that can detect and respond to the dynamic movements and forces within the knee joint during ligament balancing maneuvers. This dynamic capability allows the device to remain stable while the surgeon manipulates the knee, eliminating the need for repeated insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the haptic feedback transducer continuously monitors and communicates the force and position information from the knee joint to the surgeon. This real-time feedback allows the surgeon to assess ligament tension while maintaining stable device placement, as the system actively compensates for joint movements and maintains optimal positioning throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If forceful manipulation of knee joint is performed to assess ligament relaxation, then ligament release can be evaluated, but ligament rupture or fracture may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses haptic feedback to provide real-time information about the forces being applied during ligament release maneuvers. The sensor array detects tissue resistance and force magnitudes, allowing the surgeon to sense when excessive force is being applied. This feedback mechanism enables the surgeon to apply sufficient force to assess ligament relaxation while stopping before reaching the threshold that would cause rupture or fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a protective cushioning mechanism through the haptic feedback system that alerts the surgeon to approaching dangerous force levels before they cause harm. The sensor array continuously monitors tissue response and provides early warning signals, allowing the surgeon to modulate force application in advance to prevent ligament rupture or fracture while still achieving adequate assessment of ligament release.
4Measurement precision
If continuous manual positioning of measuring device is required, then measurement can be performed, but the surgeon cannot manually move the knee joint with the other hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measuring device to be self-positioning through haptic feedback guidance. The sensor array and feedback mechanism automatically maintain optimal device positioning by detecting and compensating for surgeon hand movements, eliminating the need for the surgeon to continuously adjust device position with one hand while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an instrument assembly that is expandable in steps for providing precise measurement of bone gap and distraction of bone in a controlled manner. It discloses a tool performing expandable Bi-Surface Mechanism to expand a bi-compartmental structure. The disclosed system is equipped with two active surfaces (Bottom base and a top plate) between which a force is applied to move the surfaces in relation to each other for providing precise measurement of bone gap and distraction of bone in a controlled manner. Additionally, the control mechanism of the present invention includes applying direct and/or measured/graduated separation force between the two surfaces and able to deliver haptic and sensor-based feedback to the surgeon for the critical ligament tensioning and balancing aspects of the procedure.