Prosthetic Hip Alignment Device Using Spirit Level and Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for orienting the prosthetic acetabular cup during hip replacement surgery are either inaccurate or impractical due to their complexity, size, and cost, and fail to account for the change in pelvic position from standing to lying down, which is crucial for proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A medical alignment device comprising a rod with spacers and a spirit level, along with a prosthetic acetabular cup alignment instrument that includes a bone screw and adjustable components to ensure accurate alignment of the cup in both anteversion and inclination planes, using laser guidance to align with pre-operative X-ray measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex navigation systems with multiple components are used to orient the acetabular cup, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex components from navigation systems. Instead of using multiple probes, Y-shaped members, and complex tracking devices, the invention uses a simple introducer with a spirit level and laser, keeping only the essential alignment functions while removing redundant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive, disposable introducer that can be discarded after use. This single-use device eliminates the need for expensive, complex, reusable navigation systems while providing sufficient alignment accuracy for the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If complex navigation systems are used to orient the acetabular cup, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the physical size of the equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary bulky components from the system. By using only a spirit level and laser mounted on the introducer, the invention eliminates the large physical footprint of complex navigation systems with multiple sensors, trackers, and control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer serves multiple functions: it introduces the cup, provides alignment reference through the spirit level, and guides positioning via laser. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment devices, reducing overall equipment size.
3Measurement precision
If complex navigation systems are used to orient the acetabular cup, then alignment accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive, disposable introducer that can be manufactured at low cost. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, reusable navigation systems while providing sufficient alignment accuracy for the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates expensive components from the system. By using only a spirit level and laser instead of complex navigation systems with multiple sensors and processors, the invention dramatically reduces equipment cost while maintaining adequate alignment precision.
4Device complexity
If traditional introducer-mounted devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but they fail to account for pelvic position changes during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the alignment system dynamic by allowing adjustment of the spirit level and laser positions on the introducer. This enables the device to adapt to changes in pelvic position during surgery, maintaining alignment reliability despite patient positioning changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spirit level provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon about the alignment status of the introducer and cup. This immediate feedback allows the surgeon to adjust positioning to account for pelvic position changes, maintaining reliable alignment throughout the procedure.
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 provides a simple, accurate, and cost-effective means to align the prosthetic acetabular cup according to the desired orientation, ensuring proper positioning that mimics the hip's functional stance, thereby enhancing the success of hip replacement surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a rod with spacers and a spirit level
Implementation Method 2
using laser guidance to align with pre-operative X-ray measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic hip alignment apparatus includes a medical instrument (20) comprising a mount attachable to a bone and first (22), second (30), third (40) and fourth (60) members. Adjacent ones of the first, second, third and fourth members are rotatable with respect to each other about a first axis, and between one of the first to fourth members and another means permitting rotation about second and third axes is provided. One of the member mounts a level (64) and wherein one of said members mounts direction indicator (65).