Preoperative Implant Size Estimation Using Confidence Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current preoperative implant sizing methods for orthopedic surgeries often rely on radiation-intensive x-rays, leading to increased costs and potential delays, and may not accurately predict the appropriate implant size for patients.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that determines implant size predictions with associated confidence levels based on patient and surgical parameters, using a combination of generic and surgeon-specific models, and recommends additional size predictions or digital templating to improve accuracy, thereby reducing the need for unnecessary radiation and optimizing logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preoperative implant sizing uses x-rays, then implant size estimation can be obtained, but patient radiation exposure increases and surgery costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from x-ray imaging and implements it through alternative methods including physical measurement tools (rulers, calipers) and optical imaging systems. These extracted methods provide implant size estimation without requiring ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary measurement tools and imaging systems that serve as mediators between the patient's anatomy and the implant sizing decision. These intermediaries (physical tools, optical cameras, computer vision algorithms) enable accurate size estimation without directly exposing the patient to radiation, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and radiation exposure.
2Reliability
If multiple implant sizes are prepared for surgery, then accurate implant size can be ensured, but logistics costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs implant size determination as a preliminary action during the preoperative planning phase using non-radiation methods. By accurately determining the required implant size before surgery through measurement tools and imaging analysis, the system enables precise ordering and preparation of only the necessary implant sizes, preventing the need to stock multiple sizes and thereby reducing logistics complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where measurement data from preoperative assessments is used to refine implant size predictions and adjust the ordered inventory. This feedback mechanism ensures that the right implant sizes are prepared in advance based on actual patient-specific measurements, reducing the need for multiple sizes while maintaining high accuracy in implant selection.
3Measurement precision
If x-ray imaging is used for preoperative estimation, then implant size can be determined, but surgery scheduling is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rapid, low-cost measurement methods including simple physical tools and quick optical imaging captures that can be performed immediately during patient consultation or preoperative visits. These disposable-like quick assessments provide sufficient accuracy for implant sizing without requiring time-consuming x-ray processing, thereby eliminating scheduling delays while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical x-ray imaging system with faster alternative measurement systems such as optical cameras and computer vision algorithms. These substituted systems capture and analyze anatomical measurements instantaneously without the time required for x-ray acquisition, processing, and interpretation, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly reducing the time loss in surgery scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system according to an embodiment includes at least one processor and at least one memory comprising a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the at least one processor, causes the computing system to determine a plurality of implant size predictions with associated confidence levels based on one or more patient or surgical parameters, wherein each of the implant size predictions identifies a confidence level that a prospective implant of a corresponding size will fit a patient, determine whether a combined confidence level determined based on a subset of the plurality of associated confidence levels is at least a threshold value, and recommend, in response to a determination that the combined confidence level is not at least the threshold value, incorporation of at least one of an additional implant size prediction of the plurality of implant size predictions in the subset or digital templating data to improve an accuracy of an implant size estimation.