Implant Drilling Guide Alignment Without X-Ray Locating Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical implant fixation methods in orthopedic surgery face challenges such as inaccurate drilling of attachment holes due to bulky and expensive locating frames, radiation exposure from X-ray imaging, and unreliable sensor-based alignment systems, leading to increased surgical time, risk of infection, and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An assistance system comprising a first device coupled to the implant and a second device with a drilling guide, using image or infrared detection technology to determine the relative positioning of fixation holes without mechanical connections, and a display module to guide precise drilling through visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a locating frame is used to guide drilling, then drilling accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locating frame is divided into a head portion that couples to the implant and a guide portion that carries the drilling guide. This segmentation allows the drilling guide to be positioned at an optimal distance from the implant while maintaining alignment accuracy, and enables independent optimization of each component's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary element between the implant and the drilling guide. It provides a stable reference framework that translates the implant's position and orientation into accurate drilling guide alignment, mediating the complex spatial relationship between these components.
2Manufacturing precision
If X-ray imaging is used to determine drilling location, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the implant itself as the reference object for positioning. The guide portion couples to the implant and uses its geometry and position to automatically determine the correct drilling location and orientation, eliminating the need for external imaging systems to provide positioning information.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating frame and guide portion are pre-assembled with fixed geometric relationships before surgery. The calibration elements and reference features are established in advance, so that when the implant is positioned, the drilling guide's orientation is automatically determined without requiring real-time imaging or complex calculations during the procedure.
3Extent of automation
If sensor-based alignment systems are used, then automated positioning is improved, but reliability decreases due to insufficient sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces active sensor-based detection with passive geometric reference elements. The calibration elements and reference features provide mechanical/optical references that can be detected with high precision by standard vision systems, avoiding the reliability issues of magnetic or active sensors while maintaining automated positioning capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are assembled before surgery, then positioning accuracy is improved, but assembly errors and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is designed with universal coupling features that can attach to various implant types through standardized interfaces. The reference elements and calibration features are integrated into a single component that serves multiple functions: positioning, alignment reference, and drilling guide mounting, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
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
Enables precise, time-efficient, and cost-effective implant fixation with reduced radiation exposure and assembly errors, ensuring optimal implant positioning and reducing surgical stress.
Implementation Method 1
a localization module comprising at least one sensor using image detector or infrared detector technology, said localization module being configured to determine a positioning of the first positioning element and the second positioning element in a three-dimensional space
Implementation Method 2
a localization module comprising at least one sensor using image detector or infrared detector technology
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assistance system (1) for fastening a surgical implant (2) to a bone by means of a locking piece inserted into an attachment hole of the bone, which is configured to be positioned opposite a fastening hole of the implant, the assistance system comprising: - a locating module (40) comprising at least one sensor of the image detector or infrared detector type, a processing module (60) and a display module (30); - a first device (10) configured to be mechanically coupled to the implant and comprising a first positioning element (13) configured to be detected by the locating module; and - a second device (20) comprising a second positioning element (21) configured to be detected by the locating module, and at least one calibration element configured to engage with the fastening hole of the implant during a calibration step.