Optically Tracked Knee Resection Tool for Validation and Bone Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee arthroplasty procedures face challenges in achieving precise resection validation, which is subjective, time-consuming, and prone to errors, particularly in the resection of tibia and femur surfaces during total or partial knee replacements.
Innovation Solution
A dual-use instrument that combines optical tracking for precise measurement with a plurality of teeth for material removal, allowing validation and shaping of resected surfaces, reducing the need for separate tools and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual validation methods are used to check resection depth, then the surgeon can assess the resection, but the process becomes subjective, time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical validation with an optical tracking system that uses cameras and fiducial markers to automatically measure and validate resection depth and orientation. The optical tracker captures images of fiducial markers attached to the bone and instrument, computes three-dimensional coordinates, and provides real-time validation feedback, eliminating subjective manual assessment while reducing validation time.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate instruments are used for validation and material removal, then each function can be performed by specialized tools, but the surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines validation and material removal functions into a single integrated instrument. The instrument includes an optical tracker for validation, a resection element for bone removal, and a handle for manipulation. This integration allows the surgeon to perform both validation and material removal with one tool, reducing the number of instruments needed and simplifying the surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a validation device with optical tracking capabilities and as a material removal tool with cutting elements. This universal design allows the same instrument to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate specialized tools.
3Reliability
If traditional validation methods are used, then the surgeon can check resection depth, but the process is subjective and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual validation with an automated optical tracking system that objectively measures resection parameters. The system uses fiducial markers and computer vision algorithms to calculate three-dimensional coordinates and validate resection depth and orientation, providing reliable and repeatable measurements free from human subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiducial markers as intermediaries between the bone surface and the optical tracking system. These markers are attached to the bone and serve as reference points that the optical tracker can easily detect and use to compute accurate three-dimensional coordinates, enabling reliable validation without direct complex interaction between the camera system and the bone geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The instrument enhances precision and efficiency by enabling objective validation and removal of undesired material, thereby reducing surgical complexity and potential errors in resection depth and angularity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical tracker coupled to the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter provides an orthopedic instrument may include a first end portion, a handle portion and an optical tracker. The first end portion is configured as a validation device having at least a first surface configured to validate a first resected surface of a bone of the knee. The first end portion has one or more surfaces with a plurality of teeth configured to remove material from the first resected surface. The handle portion is coupled to the first end portion. The optical tracker is coupled to the handle portion.