Intra-operative Joint Force Measuring Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical force measuring systems for joint prostheses with ball joints do not account for the influence of surrounding soft tissues on stability, leading to potential dislocation and post-operative issues like hip pain due to force imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A medical force measuring system with a sample joint element and measuring instrument that forms a sample ball joint, allowing for the measurement and indication of forces on the joint surface, enabling intra-operative feedback to balance soft parts and prevent dislocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joint prostheses are implanted without force measurement, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the stability of the joint and long-term success rate deteriorate due to undetected force imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sample joint element that is a simplified copy or model of the actual joint prosthesis. This sample element allows force measurement without requiring the full complex prosthesis to have built-in sensors, thereby reducing the complexity of the actual implant while still enabling reliability assessment through the measuring instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate measuring instrument as an intermediary device that interfaces with the joint prosthesis components. This mediator measures forces between prosthesis parts without requiring the prosthesis itself to be complex, separating the measurement function from the implant structure
2Measurement precision
If force measurement is implemented in the joint prosthesis, then the ability to detect and balance soft part forces is improved, but the device complexity and surgical procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional components: a sample joint element, a measuring instrument, and an indicating device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving precise force measurement without requiring the entire system to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring instrument detects forces on the sample joint surface and provides indication to the surgeon. This real-time feedback enables precise measurement and immediate adjustment of soft part balancing without requiring overly complex measurement equipment
3Loss of information
If a sample joint element with measuring instrument is used, then intra-operative force feedback is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pre-fabricated sample joint element that already contains or is coupled with the measuring instrument. This preliminary preparation of the measurement system allows it to be quickly deployed during surgery, providing force information without requiring complex intra-operative setup
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring instrument is designed to automatically detect and indicate forces on the joint surface without requiring manual intervention or complex calibration during surgery. This self-service capability provides force information passively, reducing the time and complexity burden on the surgical procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A medical force measuring system is provided for measuring a force effective between two prosthesis parts that are connected to one another in articulated manner in a joint prosthesis which includes a ball joint or a partial component thereof. The force measuring system includes a measuring instrument which has a sample joint element with a sample joint surface. The sample joint element is formed in correspondence with a first joint element that forms a part of the ball joint and has a joint surface which is formed in correspondence with the sample joint surface and is moveable into engagement therewith for forming a sample ball joint. The measuring instrument also includes at least one of a measuring device and an indicating device which cooperates with the sample joint element for measuring and/or indicating a force (or a partial component thereof) effective on the sample joint surface.