Joint Load Measurement Device with Integrated Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic joint replacement procedures face challenges in adapting to individual patient variations due to the lack of precise data on joint parameters, relying heavily on the surgeon's skill and general tools that do not account for specific patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device comprising a stem, neck, and ball joint with integrated sensors and electronic circuitry that couples to a bone to measure load magnitude and location at the joint, communicating this data to a remote system for real-time display, aiding surgeons in correct positioning and prosthesis sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general standardized tools and procedures are used for orthopedic joint replacement, then the procedure can meet general needs of wide population distribution, but individual patient variations cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools with electronic sensors and digital data processing systems. Sensors integrated into the prosthesis and alignment tools collect precise joint parameter data, which is then processed by a computer to provide real-time feedback, enabling accurate adaptation to individual patient anatomy while maintaining standardized surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor joint parameters during surgery. The computer processes this data and provides immediate feedback to the surgeon, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the prosthesis positioning and alignment based on actual patient-specific measurements, thereby resolving the contradiction between standardized procedures and individualized adaptation.
2Loss of information
If traditional alignment tools are used without integrated sensing, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to measure and communicate joint parameters in real-time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional alignment tools with modern sensing technology by integrating sensors directly into the prosthesis and alignment devices. This combination allows the system to maintain the simplicity and familiarity of traditional tools while adding electronic measurement and communication capabilities, thus reducing information loss without excessively increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional alignment tool and as a data collection system. The same physical device performs mechanical alignment functions while simultaneously gathering joint parameter data through integrated sensors, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If surgeons rely on skill and experience without precise measurement data, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the accuracy of prosthesis positioning and sizing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback during the surgical procedure through electronic sensors and computer processing. This feedback gives surgeons precise measurement data on joint parameters, prosthesis alignment, and positioning, enabling accurate placement without relying solely on surgeon experience. The feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation by presenting data in an intuitive format that guides surgical decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on surgeon skill and experience with objective electronic measurement and data processing. The system uses sensors and computer algorithms to determine optimal prosthesis positioning, substituting subjective surgical judgment with precise quantitative data, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated calculations and recommendations.
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 measurement and real-time data communication to assist surgeons in accurately positioning and sizing prosthetics, improving the adaptation to individual patient variations and enhancing the success of orthopedic joint replacement surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors may be strain gauges
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device used for measuring loads at joints. The device may have a stem coupled to bone, a neck, and a ball joint coupled to the neck. The ball joint may be a femoral trial head. The ball joint may be an upper and lower housing coupled together. The ball joint houses a central column that may be a part of the lower housing, a circuit board on the column, and sensors. The sensors may be radially arrange around the circuit board at equal distances from the circuit board and equal angular distances from each other. The sensors may be impacted by features on the inner surface of the upper housing so that they may together measure the force on the upper housing. The force magnitude and location at the joint may be determined from the forces measured at the sensors.