Hybrid Bone Cutting for Precision and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual bone cutting during orthopedic surgery is cumbersome and prone to surgeon error, while robotic-assisted methods are slow, leading to longer surgery times due to the inefficiency in bulk bone removal.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines pre-operative planning with both manual and robotic cutting tools, where bulk bone removal is initially done manually and followed by precision cuts using a robotic cutting tool along pre-defined trajectories marked on the bone, allowing for efficient shaping of the bone to receive an implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If robotic-assisted cutting methods are used for bone removal, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow bone removal speed
Solution Approach 1:
The bone removal process is divided into two distinct phases: bulk bone removal performed manually with high-speed cutting tools, and precision bone shaping performed robotically along pre-defined trajectories. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - manual tools handle the time-consuming bulk removal while robotic tools ensure precision for the final implant interface, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
2Productivity
If manual bone cutting is performed, then productivity is improved through faster bone removal, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to surgeon error
Solution Approach 1:
Pre-operative planning is performed to define precise cutting trajectories and target geometries before surgery. These pre-defined trajectories serve as guides for the robotic cutting tool, ensuring that the precision benefits of robotic assistance are realized while maintaining the speed advantages of manual bulk removal. The preliminary planning phase establishes the precision framework that guides subsequent manual and robotic cutting actions.
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
This approach reduces surgery time by enabling faster bone removal while maintaining precision, allowing for quicker and more accurate bone shaping for orthopedic implants.
Implementation Method 1
In an example, the robotic cutting tool can be used to form one or more markings on the bone that correspond to where the precision cuts are to be made
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of accelerating bone cuts, and the devices used therefore, are disclosed. The methods can involve the use of robotic cutting tools.