Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic System for Knee Joint Force Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic surgical procedures lack effective methods for accurately determining and displaying joint force data during surgeries, such as knee replacements, relying on manual techniques or limited diagnostic tools, which can lead to suboptimal joint balance and increased surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted orthopaedic system that includes a sensor module inserted into the joint to measure medial and lateral force values, an angle of flexion, and varus/valgus angles, with a hand-held display module and CAOS system to provide real-time visual feedback and data storage for improved joint force balance and surgical navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual techniques are used to determine joint force balance, then surgical simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of joint force data are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment techniques with electronic sensors and computer processing systems. Force sensors embedded in surgical instruments or implants electronically measure joint forces, replacing the surgeon's manual tactile assessment. This substitution provides objective, quantifiable data with high precision while managing complexity through integrated electronic systems that process and display results automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computer-assisted systems as intermediaries between the surgical procedure and the surgeon's decision-making. The computer receives raw sensor data, processes it to calculate joint force balance metrics, and presents interpreted results to the surgeon. This intermediary layer translates complex sensor readings into actionable clinical information, improving measurement precision while shielding the surgeon from raw data complexity.
2Loss of information
If limited diagnostic tools are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information about joint force characteristics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs diagnostic systems with multi-functional capabilities that can measure various joint force characteristics simultaneously. A single sensor system can assess magnitude, direction, distribution, and temporal characteristics of joint forces. The computer-assisted system processes multiple parameters (axial, medial-lateral, anterior-posterior forces) through unified software that provides comprehensive joint force analysis, minimizing information loss while managing complexity through integrated multi-functional architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time joint force measurement is implemented, then manufacturing precision of joint balance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems where sensors continuously measure joint forces during surgery, and the computer-assisted system provides immediate feedback to the surgeon. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of implant positioning and alignment to achieve optimal joint force balance. The system translates complex sensor data into real-time guidance, improving manufacturing precision of joint balance while managing complexity through automated feedback processing and intuitive display interfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A computer assisted orthopaedic system includes a sensor module, a display, and a computer coupled to the display. The sensor module is configured to be positioned in a knee joint of a patient and transmit joint force data indicative of a j oint force of the patient's knee joint. The computer includes a receiver circuit to receive the joint force data. The computer is configured to determine position data indicative of a position of a patient's femur and a patient's tibia and display an image of the patient's femur and the patient's tibia based on the position data. The computer is also configured to determine a medial force value and a lateral force value based on the joint force data and display the medial and lateral force values on the display.