Patient-Specific Joint Model With Adjustable Ligaments

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical training methods using artificial bone models and cadaveric joints are limited by their lack of realism, inability to reproduce individual features and deformities, and high costs associated with cadavers, which restricts their reproducibility and practicality for training purposes.

Innovation Solution

A simulated anatomical joint is created using patient-specific data, comprising artificial bones connected by artificial ligaments and tendons, which can reproduce bone deformities and adjust tension to simulate realistic joint stresses, further equipped with stress measurement features like a Wheatstone bridge for real-time data analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cadaveric joints are used for training, then realism and presence of soft tissue are improved, but cost and availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverealismVSAvoidavailability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates artificial bone models that are precise copies of patient-specific anatomy using 3D imaging and additive manufacturing. These models replicate the unique features, deformities, and geometry of individual patient joints, providing a realistic training experience without requiring actual cadaveric specimens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms physical cadaveric joints into digital 3D models through imaging parameters, then into manufacturable 3D printed models. This parameter transformation allows the same anatomical data to be reproduced infinitely, solving the availability problem while maintaining realism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cadaveric joints are used for training, then presence of soft tissue is improved, but cost and special facilities requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverealismVSAvoidfacility requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates artificial bone models that are precise copies of patient-specific anatomy using 3D imaging and additive manufacturing. These models replicate the unique features, deformities, and geometry of individual patient joints, providing a realistic training experience without requiring actual cadaveric specimens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Quantity of substance

If simple artificial bone models are used, then cost and availability are improved, but realism and representation of individual features deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidrealism

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating patient-specific models that capture unique anatomical features, deformities, and geometry at each specific location. Rather than using generic standardized models, each model is customized to match the local characteristics of the individual patient's anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms physical cadaveric joints into digital 3D models through imaging parameters, then into manufacturable 3D printed models. This parameter transformation allows the same anatomical data to be reproduced infinitely, solving the availability problem while maintaining realism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If simple artificial bone models are used, then cost and availability are improved, but ability to represent deformities and injuries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidrepresentation of deformities

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating patient-specific models that capture unique anatomical features, deformities, and geometry at each specific location. Rather than using generic standardized models, each model is customized to match the local characteristics of the individual patient's anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enhances the realism and reproducibility of joint simulations, allowing for more effective training and assessment of surgical interventions by providing accurate stress measurements and enabling comparison of different treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the artificial ligaments and/or tendons are fitted with stress measurement features, such as a Wheatstone bridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWheatstone bridge: Wheatstone Bridge

Implementation Method 2

stress measurement features, such as a Wheatstone bridge, connected to a processor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12277867B2Enhanced human joint simulation model

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

A simulated anatomical joint includes a first artificial bone having a first articular surface, a second artificial bone having a second articular surface matable to the first articular surface to simulate a natural joint, and artificial ligaments connecting the first artificial bone to the second artificial bone. The artificial ligaments connect the first artificial bone to the second artificial bone such that the first articular surface is proximate to the second articular surface. The artificial ligaments connected to the first artificial bone and second artificial bone are adjustable to simulate stresses in a natural anatomical joint corresponding to the first artificial bone and second artificial bone.