Intraoperative Joint Contact Mechanics Sensor System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods fail to effectively prevent the development of osteoarthritis in joints following injuries, as they lack real-time assessment and adjustment capabilities during surgery, leading to significant joint degeneration and pain in patients post-rehabilitation and surgery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for intraoperatively measuring joint contact mechanics by inserting a sensor between bones, applying predetermined forces, and tracking movement using a surgical navigation system to develop a contact stress map, allowing for real-time adjustments during surgery, such as using scaffolds or orthopedic implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical methods are used to treat joint injuries, then surgical procedures can be performed to repair damaged tissue, but the joint cannot be assessed in real-time leading to poor long-term outcomes and high risk of osteoarthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by placing sensors within the joint that continuously monitor contact mechanics during surgery. The system provides immediate data on contact forces, pressure distributions, and joint mechanics, allowing surgeons to adjust procedures based on actual mechanical conditions rather than relying on preoperative planning alone. This closed-loop feedback system enables verification that surgical corrections achieve desired mechanical outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assessment methods (visual inspection, manual testing) with electronic sensing systems. Sensors including force sensors, pressure sensors, and strain gauges convert mechanical joint interactions into electrical signals that can be processed and displayed in real-time, providing quantitative data that was previously unavailable during surgical procedures.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are inserted to measure joint contact mechanics, then real-time measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is designed to perform multiple functions: force measurement, pressure distribution mapping, and joint mechanics monitoring. By consolidating these measurement capabilities into an integrated sensor assembly, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate devices for each measurement type. The multi-functional sensors can be positioned to simultaneously capture various mechanical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms complex mechanical joint interactions into simplified electrical parameters that can be easily measured and processed. Force sensors convert contact forces into voltage signals, pressure sensors transform pressure distributions into electrical readings, and strain gauges convert deformation into measurable electrical changes. This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement process while maintaining high precision.
3Reliability
If real-time measurement and adjustment is implemented, then surgical outcomes can be improved, but surgical time and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are pre-positioned within the joint before the main surgical correction is performed. This allows baseline mechanical measurements to be obtained in advance, enabling surgeons to plan adjustments based on actual measured conditions rather than estimates. The preliminary sensing phase reduces the need for repeated measurements and adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated real-time display and analysis of joint mechanics data, reducing the need for manual calculation and interpretation by the surgical team. The electronic system automatically processes sensor signals, generates contact force measurements, and presents results in an easily interpretable format, minimizing the time required for data analysis during surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for intraoperatively measuring joint contact mechanics of a patient's joint is provided. The method includes inserting a sensor between first and second bones of a joint. Then a predetermined force is applied to one of the first and second bones. Afterwards, contact mechanics such as, contact stresses, contact areas and/or forces are measured between the first and second bones in response to the applied predetermined force.