Sensor Module for Knee Joint Force Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopaedic surgeons face challenges in accurately balancing joint forces during surgical procedures, particularly in knee replacements, as existing methods rely heavily on manual feel and experience, which can be inconsistent and prone to errors, especially in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor module with a tibial paddle and sensor array that generates signals indicative of joint forces, coupled with a joint distractor and display module, providing real-time visual feedback to assist in achieving medial-lateral balance, allowing for precise adjustments during the surgical procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual feel and surgical experience are used to balance joint forces, then the surgeon can perform the procedure without additional equipment, but the accuracy and consistency of joint force balancing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensing approach (manual feel by surgeon) with an optical sensing system. The sensor module uses optical sensors to detect joint force balance and provides visual feedback, substituting the mechanical tactile method with an optical measurement and display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor module as an intermediary between the joint and the surgeon. This module includes sensors that detect joint force conditions and a display that provides visual feedback, acting as a mediator that translates physical joint forces into observable visual information for the surgeon.
2Measurement precision
If visual feedback systems are implemented to improve joint force balancing, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surgical system into separate functional modules: a sensor module containing the sensing elements, a display module for visual feedback, and the surgical instruments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed to be self-contained, with sensors, processing electronics, and display integrated into a single unit that can be independently positioned and operated. The module autonomously performs sensing, processing, and feedback display without requiring complex external system integration.
3Productivity
If real-time visual feedback is provided during surgery, then productivity improves through faster decision-making, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is pre-positioned on the tibial tray before the balancing procedure begins. The system is pre-configured with sensors oriented to detect the relevant joint force components, allowing immediate real-time monitoring without requiring complex intraoperative setup or adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a knee joint of a patient includes resecting a proximal end of a patient's tibia to create a resected surface of the patient's tibia and positioning a tibial paddle of a sensor module on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. The tibial paddle includes a sensor array generating sensor signals indicative of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. The method also includes performing a number of orthopaedic surgical steps while monitoring a display of the sensor module that provides a visual indication of the medial-lateral balance of the joint force of the patient's knee joint.