Patient-Specific Knee Alignment Guide for Surgical Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proper alignment of prosthetic components in knee arthroscopy is crucial for longevity and function, but existing methods lack patient-specific solutions, leading to potential misalignment, increased wear, patient discomfort, and functional limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving obtaining scan data to create a three-dimensional image of the joint, preparing a patient-specific alignment guide, securing it to the joint surface, and using guide elements for precise resection without removing the guide, allowing for accurate placement of prosthetic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional alignment methods are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed with standard tools, but the alignment precision of prosthetic components deteriorates leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide is divided into multiple components: a patient-specific outer shell that conforms to individual anatomy, and modular guide elements that can be attached and removed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high alignment precision through customization while managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
Patient-specific alignment guides are manufactured before surgery based on pre-operative imaging data. The guides are prepared in advance with precise geometric features that encode the optimal alignment parameters, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative measurements and calculations.
2Manufacturing precision
If patient-specific alignment guides are manufactured, then alignment precision improves, but the manufacturing process and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from mechanical measurement methods to digital parameter-based manufacturing. Patient anatomy is captured through imaging (CT/MRI) and converted into digital models, allowing precise alignment parameters to be calculated and directly transferred to manufacturing systems. This parameter-based approach achieves high manufacturing precision while streamlining the overall process despite the added digital workflow.
3Measurement precision
If guide elements are inserted through the alignment guide, then resection accuracy improves, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide serves as an intermediary device that temporarily holds and positions guide elements during the resection process. The guide elements pass through predetermined pathways in the guide, ensuring accurate bone cuts. After resection, the guide elements remain in the bone while the alignment guide is removed, simplifying the sequence of operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing an interactive initial surgical plant based on the scan data, sending the surgical plan to a surgeon, receiving a finalized surgical plan from the surgeon, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide.