Laser Acetabular Cup Alignment System for Hip Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional free-hand techniques for aligning acetabular cups in hip replacement surgery are subjective and prone to measurement errors, leading to malpositioning, which can result in early loosening, high wear, and postoperative dislocation, especially in obese patients where soft tissue obscures bony landmarks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing red and green laser light emissions, with a mounting element and pivot-supported arms, allows for precise alignment by positioning the lasers over the acetabulum, referencing pelvic tilt and inclination, and aligning the acetabular cup component accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional free-hand techniques are used for aligning acetabular cups, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the alignment precision deteriorates leading to malpositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional free-hand mechanical alignment techniques with an optical laser-based alignment system. The laser alignment system uses laser beams to create reference lines and planes, eliminating the need for manual estimation and subjective judgment by the surgeon, thereby significantly improving alignment precision without requiring complex mechanical alignment devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the acetabular cup alignment process. The laser alignment system projects laser lines that serve as visual guides, acting as a mediator that translates complex spatial relationships into simple visual references that the surgeon can easily follow, improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity
2Reliability
If conventional alignment techniques are used, then the surgical time is reduced, but the reliability of cup placement deteriorates leading to early loosening and dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing laser reference lines and planes before the actual cup placement. The laser alignment system sets up the alignment framework in advance, allowing the surgeon to simply follow the visual guides during cup insertion, thereby ensuring reliable placement without adding significant time to the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the laser alignment system continuously provides visual feedback to the surgeon about the current alignment status. The laser lines and planes serve as real-time reference indicators, allowing the surgeon to make immediate adjustments to achieve accurate cup placement, thereby improving reliability without requiring multiple revision procedures that would extend surgical time
3Measurement precision
If free-hand alignment is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but measurement errors increase due to soft tissue obscuring bony landmarks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and landmark identification with an optical laser-based reference system. The laser alignment system projects laser lines that create artificial visual landmarks independent of the patient's anatomy, eliminating the problem of soft tissue obscuring bony landmarks while maintaining ease of operation through simple visual following
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the ideal alignment geometry through laser projection. Instead of relying on the surgeon to interpret complex three-dimensional anatomical relationships, the laser system projects two-dimensional laser lines that copy the desired alignment plane, making landmark identification accurate and operation simple
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
This method provides an objective, minimally subjective alignment system that optimizes acetabular cup placement, reducing the need for corrective procedures and enhancing surgical outcomes by ensuring accurate positioning of the acetabular cup.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing red and green laser light emissions, with a mounting element and pivot-supported arms, allows for precise alignment by positioning the lasers over the acetabulum
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an acetabular cup alignment includes a mounting element; a first pivot; a first support arm, the first support arm being axially rotatable relative to the first pivot; a second pivot; a second support arm that is attached to the second pivot at an end, the second support arm being axially rotatable relative to the second pivot; a third pivot; a third support arm that is attached to the third pivot at an end, the third support arm being axially rotatable relative to the third pivot; a red laser housing that is provided with at least one red laser light emitter, the red laser housing being attached to the second pivot; and a green laser housing that is provided with at least one green laser light emitter, the green laser housing being attached to the third support arm.