Joint Replacement Implant Positioning via Biomechanical Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning and orienting cutting blocks in joint replacement surgery are time-consuming, complex, and costly, and fail to accurately capture 3D bone shapes and soft tissue information, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sleeve with sensors and position trackers that collect biomechanical data to generate musculoskeletal simulations, determining surgical parameters for implant placement, including position, orientation, and bone removal amounts, using statistical shape models and shape morphing algorithms for precise anatomical representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to position cutting blocks, then the process is simpler to implement, but the accuracy and completeness of 3D bone shape capture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's bone anatomy through 3D imaging and statistical shape modeling. This digital replica captures the complete 3D geometry and biomechanical properties of the bone, allowing precise preoperative planning and simulation without requiring complex physical instrumentation during surgery. The virtual model serves as a accurate representation that guides the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment instruments and physical cutting blocks with a computer-based navigation system. The system uses software algorithms to determine implant positioning and orientation based on the 3D bone model, eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical referencing instruments and complex cutting block mechanisms during the surgical procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used for cutting blocks, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all positioning calculations and planning in advance using the 3D bone model and musculoskeletal simulation. The optimal cutting block position, orientation, and implant parameters are determined preoperatively through computer analysis. During surgery, the system simply guides the surgeon to these pre-determined positions using navigation, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms on the cutting blocks themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based navigation system as an intermediary between the surgeon and the cutting blocks. This navigation system provides real-time feedback and guidance on the position and orientation of surgical instruments relative to the 3D bone model, allowing simple cutting blocks to achieve high positioning accuracy through digital guidance rather than mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical referencing instruments are used, then alignment can be achieved, but operational costs for maintenance and cleaning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a computer-based system that requires minimal physical instrumentation during surgery. The navigation software automatically processes imaging data, performs simulations, and provides guidance without requiring manual alignment procedures. This reduces the need for complex mechanical instruments that would require maintenance, cleaning, and sterilization, as the system relies primarily on digital processing and simple surgical guides.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device, and method for determining a position and orientation of an implant (100) for a joint replacement surgery are described. For example, the system includes a sleeve (200) configured to be worn by a patient and to collect (415) biomechanical information related to movement of the joint, and a surgical system (320). The surgical system is configured to receive (605) the collected biomechanical information, determine (605) clinical measurement information related to the joint, generate (610) a musculoskeletal simulation for the joint based upon the collected biomechanical information and the determined clinical measurement information, determine (615) one or more surgical parameters for the patient based upon the musculoskeletal simulation, and determine (620) at least one of a position and orientation of an implant component to be inserted into the joint based upon the one or more surgical parameters.