Orthopedic Implant Selection Using Anatomical Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of selecting orthopedic implants based on visual inspection during surgery is time-consuming and imprecise, leading to increased surgical time and waste due to the need to try multiple implants before finding the best fit.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a selection device with a camera, processor, and user interface to capture and analyze dimensional parameters of the anatomical surface, compare them with implant parameters, and recommend the best-fitting implant through a best-fit algorithm, reducing human error and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection method is used to select implants, then surgeon can manually evaluate fit, but surgical time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection process with an automated image processing system. A camera captures images of the anatomical surface, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze dimensional parameters and compare them with implant parameters to select the best-fitting implant, eliminating the need for manual measurement and visual evaluation during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the anatomical surface and analyzes dimensional parameters from this copy rather than directly measuring the physical bone. The image serves as a replica that can be processed algorithmically to determine the best implant fit, replacing the need for physical trial of multiple implants.
2Measurement precision
If multiple implants are tried to find best fit, then selection accuracy improves, but waste increases due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the implant selection process before the actual surgical implantation. By using image processing to pre-identify the best-fitting implant based on dimensional parameters, the surgical team can prepare the correct implant in advance, eliminating the need to try multiple implants during surgery and preventing contamination of unused implants.
3Productivity
If manual visual selection is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional camera system that serves multiple purposes: capturing images of the anatomical surface, providing dimensional parameter data, and enabling automated implant selection. This single device performs functions that would otherwise require separate measurement tools and manual evaluation processes, improving surgical efficiency despite the added technological complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods may be provided to identify a medical implant from a plurality of medical implants to be fixed to an anatomical surface. Dimensional parameters for each of the plurality of medical implants may be provided, and dimensional parameters corresponding to the anatomical surface may be provided. The dimensional parameters for each of the plurality of medical implants may be compared with the dimensional parameters corresponding to the anatomical surface, and one of the medical implants may be selected from the plurality of medical implants based on comparing the dimensional parameters for each of the plurality of medical implants with the dimensional parameters corresponding to the anatomical surface. An identification of the medical implant selected from the plurality of medical implants may be provided through a user interface. Related devices and computer program products are also discussed.