Kinetic Orthopedic Alignment System with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic alignment procedures in medical and surgical settings are inefficient and prone to variability, relying on subjective techniques and expensive equipment, leading to unpredictable outcomes in terms of functional efficacy, patient comfort, and prosthesis longevity, especially when performed by surgeons with different skill levels.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic orthopedic system that uses sensors and a graphical user interface to provide real-time quantitative data on load, position, and alignment, allowing for precise measurement and adjustment of bone cuts and prosthetic component placement, thereby enhancing the accuracy and consistency of orthopedic implant alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective alignment techniques and mechanical jigs are used, then surgical experience and skill are leveraged, but alignment precision and outcome predictability deteriorate due to surgeon variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical alignment techniques with an objective sensor-based measurement system. Sensors attached to surgical instruments provide real-time quantitative data on bone cut angles, implant positioning, and alignment parameters, eliminating reliance on surgeon skill and mechanical jigs while improving both measurement precision and outcome predictability
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor alignment parameters during surgery. This feedback loop allows surgeons to immediately adjust bone cuts and implant positioning based on objective data, ensuring consistent alignment precision and predictable outcomes regardless of surgeon experience level
2Measurement precision
If expensive alignment equipment is used, then measurement capability is enhanced, but surgical cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sensors that can be attached to standard surgical instruments. These low-cost, single-use sensors provide precise alignment measurements without requiring expensive reusable equipment, thereby reducing surgical costs while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive mechanical alignment equipment with affordable electronic sensors that provide superior measurement capabilities. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment costs while enhancing alignment measurement precision through digital data collection and analysis
3Reliability
If trial and error alignment cycles are performed, then adjustment opportunities are provided, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment measurements and calculations before final implant placement. By providing real-time feedback on alignment parameters during bone cutting and positioning, the system allows surgeons to make precise adjustments in a single pass rather than through multiple trial cycles, reducing surgical time while maintaining reliable alignment
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from sensors enables immediate verification of alignment parameters, allowing surgeons to correct deviations before final implantation. This eliminates the need for repeated trial and error cycles, significantly reducing surgical procedure time while ensuring accurate and reliable alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load, and joint alignment. The system further includes a remote system for receiving, processing, and displaying quantitative measurements from the sensors. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation. The kinetic assessment increases both performance and reliability of the installed joint by reducing error that is introduced by elements that load or modify the joint dynamics not taken into account by prior assessment methods.