Computer-Guided Knee Repair Using Four-Bar Linkage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The surgical repair of injured knees often results in inconsistent outcomes due to variability in manual techniques, leading to issues such as pain, instability, and arthritis, as traditional methods lack precision and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A computer-guided knee surgery system utilizing a four-bar linkage to identify the axis of rotation, enabling precise drilling, graft placement, and tissue repair, reducing reliance on mechanical guides and improving surgical accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual surgical techniques are used for knee repair, then the surgical process is simple and quick to perform, but the precision and consistency of graft placement are poor leading to inconsistent outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical guides with a computer-guided system that uses trackers, cameras, and software to define the axis of rotation and guide graft placement. The computer system calculates the axis of rotation based on tracker positions and provides real-time guidance to the surgeon, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces trackers as intermediary elements attached to the knee joint that serve as reference points for the computer-guided system. These trackers mediate between the patient's anatomy and the surgical guidance system, enabling precise measurement and guidance without direct mechanical contact with the surgical site.
2Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical guides are used for drilling and graft placement, then the surgical workflow is straightforward, but the accuracy and anatomical correctness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices with an optical measurement system using trackers and cameras. The computer calculates the axis of rotation by processing tracker position data, providing higher measurement precision without the physical constraints of mechanical guides. The system presents this information in an intuitive format that maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the knee joint's axis of rotation based on tracker positions. This virtual copy of the anatomical reference frame allows the surgeon to visualize and follow the precise axis without physically constructing mechanical guides, combining high accuracy with operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If manual surgical techniques are used, then the equipment and setup are simple, but the consistency and reliability of surgical outcomes are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the computer continuously monitors tracker positions and provides real-time guidance information to the surgeon. This feedback loop ensures that graft placement consistently follows the calculated axis of rotation, improving outcome reliability. The system compensates for any deviations and maintains consistency throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces variable manual techniques with a standardized computer-guided process. The system automatically calculates the axis of rotation and guides all drilling and graft placement operations, eliminating surgeon-to-surgeon variability and ensuring consistent, reliable outcomes across different procedures and practitioners.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes knee surgery systems, knee surgery robots, components associated with the same, and techniques for computer-guided knee-repair and/or knee-reconstruction.