Joint Tensioning Arms With Strain Sensing for Knee Laxity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in collecting soft-tissue tension/laxity data during robotically assisted total knee arthroplasty leads to inconsistent results, and existing methods require tibial resection before tensioning, complicating the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A joint tensioning system with a first and second arm configured to apply a distraction force to a joint, equipped with a sensor to measure strain, and a computing device to determine the distraction force based on the measured strain, allowing for standardized soft-tissue tension/laxity assessment without prior tibial resection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to apply varus/valgus stress to the knee, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the amount of force applied cannot be standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stress application with a robotic system that uses sensors and computing devices to precisely control and measure the distraction force applied to the knee joint. The robotic arm applies controlled varus/valgus stress while sensors measure the actual force, eliminating the non-standardization problem of manual application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on the distraction force applied to the joint. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor and adjust the force being applied, ensuring standardization and precision in the soft-tissue tension assessment.
2Measurement precision
If existing tensioning devices are used, then ligament tension can be assessed, but tibial resection must be completed first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables soft-tissue tension assessment to be performed before tibial resection, reversing the traditional sequence. By allowing tensioning measurements to occur at an earlier stage in the surgical procedure, the system eliminates the requirement to complete bone resections first, thereby simplifying the overall surgical workflow.
3Reliability
If standardized soft-tissue tension collection is implemented, then consistent results are achieved, but additional equipment and measurement systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs multiple functions including bone resection guidance, soft-tissue tension assessment, and implant positioning. By integrating the tensioning measurement capability into the existing robotic arthroplasty system, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving standardized measurements.
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 consistent and standardized quantification of soft-tissue laxity in knee joints, improving the accuracy of robotically assisted total knee arthroplasty procedures by providing real-time data for distraction forces applied.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor device is located in the first arm and positioned to measure a strain applied to the first tip based on the distraction force applied to the joint
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A joint tensioning device and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The joint tensioning device includes a flexing arm and a loading arm having a tensioning tip and a loading tip, respectively, configured for insertion into a joint. The flexing arm is coupled to the loading arm such that, during use, the loading arm may be adjusted to separate the tensioning tip and the loading tip to apply a distraction force to the joint. A strain gauge measures strain applied to the flexing arm based on the applied distraction force. The measured strain is used to determine the amount of force applied to the joint. The force data is employed in surgical planning to determine the amount of joint laxity when a particular load is applied to the joint.