Knee Prosthesis Positioning via Computer-Assisted Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the optimal position of knee prostheses during surgery are inaccurate and require extensive manual adjustments, often relying on preoperative medical images that are costly, error-prone, and expose patients to significant X-ray doses, while failing to account for dynamic and cinematic information.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted system using a tridimensional positioning system, position marks on bones, and a drilling guide to determine the ideal size, position, and orientation of prostheses without MRI or TDM images, incorporating ligament information and displaying surface accuracy with color, allowing for automatic alignment of prosthesis centers with the hip and ankle centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods use mechanical ancillaries adjustable according to radiological data, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision are inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ancillaries and manual adjustment methods with a computer-assisted system that uses position sensors, cameras, and digital image processing to automatically determine prosthesis positioning. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical and computational systems resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation through automation and high measurement precision through digital tracking and image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy through radiological images and position tracking, allowing the surgical plan to be simulated and optimized before actual surgery. This digital copying enables precise measurement and planning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment devices during the procedure, thereby improving both measurement precision and operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If computer-assisted surgery systems use preoperative medical images from TDM scanner or MRI, then the measurement precision and planning accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases and X-ray dose to patient is non-negligible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential imaging and positioning functions needed for prosthesis placement from complex preoperative imaging systems. Instead of requiring full TDM or MRI scanners in the operating room, the system uses position sensors and cameras to track anatomical landmarks and bone positions in real-time, extracting the necessary spatial information without the complexity and radiation exposure of comprehensive preoperative imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary planning using simplified imaging and position data captured at the beginning of surgery, rather than relying on complex preoperative scans. The system captures position information of anatomical landmarks and uses this preliminary data to calculate optimal prosthesis positioning, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through real-time tracking.
3Device complexity
If computer-assisted systems use only position sensors and simple preoperative data, then the device complexity is reduced and operation time is shortened, but the measurement precision and information completeness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous tracking of bone positions and anatomical landmarks throughout the surgical procedure using position sensors and cameras. This continuous measurement allows the system to capture dynamic changes in bone position and ligament tension, providing complete spatial information without requiring complex preoperative imaging. The continuous data stream ensures measurement precision while keeping the device configuration simple and operation time short.
4Device complexity
If conventional methods require extensive manual adjustments to achieve optimal prosthesis position, then the system is simple in design, but the productivity and time efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated calculation and guidance systems that determine optimal prosthesis positioning based on captured position data and preestablished geometric criteria. The computer system automatically calculates the ideal prosthesis position, orientation, and size, and provides real-time guidance to the surgeon, eliminating the need for extensive manual adjustments. This automation increases productivity while maintaining simple device design by relying on intelligent algorithms rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer assisted orthopedic surgery system in support of an arthroplasty surgery of a patient's knee joint including a first locatable element attachable to a first bone on one side of the patient's knee joint. The system includes a sensor in the form of a second locatable element. The sensor is movable in proximity of the patient's knee joint. A tracking device locates a plurality of positions of the sensor relative to the first locatable element. The system also includes an initial generic model of a knee joint that is not specific to the patient. A computer is configured to deform the generic model in response to the plurality of positions of the tracking device that are specific to the patient and to determine a position for a knee prosthesis on the deformed model. The determined position upon the deformed model is outputted and displayed on a display connected to the computer.