Medical Registration Apparatus for Anatomical Axis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position and orientation of anatomical axes in orthopedic surgical procedures, such as total endoprosthesis of the knee or hip, are cumbersome, lack precision, and require continuous visibility of a pointer for navigation systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A medical registration apparatus equipped with optical and inertial sensors, and a forceps-like design with rotatable flanks and gear mechanisms, allows for precise determination of anatomical axes by rotating the apparatus relative to landmarks on the body, transmitting data to a navigation system for accurate axis registration in a coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pointer is used to inform a navigation system about landmark positions, then the position information can be obtained, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and requires continuous visibility of the pointer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pointer system with an optical sensor system. The optical sensor captures images of the anatomical body part, and image processing algorithms automatically determine landmark positions and axis orientations, eliminating the need for manual pointer manipulation and continuous visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the anatomical body part and processes this copy to extract position and orientation information. This allows the navigation system to obtain accurate landmark data without requiring direct mechanical interaction or continuous visual tracking of physical pointers.
2Productivity
If a pointer is used to determine landmark positions, then position data can be acquired, but precision is compromised and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pointer-based measurement with automated optical imaging and image processing. The optical sensor captures high-resolution images, and computational algorithms precisely identify landmark positions and calculate axis orientations, significantly improving both speed and accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous capture and processing of anatomical images, allowing for real-time determination of landmark positions and axis orientations. This continuous process eliminates the intermittent, step-by-step nature of pointer-based methods, improving both efficiency and precision.
3Reliability
If continuous visibility of the pointer is required for navigation system detection, then position data can be obtained, but the procedure becomes complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visibility-dependent mechanical pointer system with an optical imaging system that captures complete anatomical views. Image processing algorithms automatically extract position information without requiring continuous tracking or visibility maintenance, simplifying operations and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing to determine all landmark positions and axis orientations before surgical procedures begin. This advance preparation eliminates the need for continuous pointer visibility during surgery, reducing operational complexity and improving reliability.
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 solution provides a more efficient, precise, and flexible method for determining anatomical axes, reducing the need for continuous pointer visibility and improving the accuracy of surgical planning by using sensor data to determine axis positions and orientations in a coordinate system.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the registration apparatus in this position and data gathered by the at least one sensor (preferably, the sensor is an inertial sensor) which describes the rotational movement
Implementation Method 2
having at least one of an optical sensor and an inertial sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical registration apparatus (1), comprising •two flanks (2a, 2b); •a pivot portion (3) around which at least one of the flanks (2a, 2b) is rotatable with respect to a rotation centre (3c, 3d) (FIG. 1, FIG. 3); •a contacting portion (4a, 4b) on each of the flanks (2a, 2b), each contacting portion (4a, 4b) being spaced apart from the rotation centre (3c, 3d); and •a sensor (5, 6) being arranged with an offset (r, FIG. 4 A) to a line (a) connecting the contacting portions (4a, 4b). The invention also relates to a data processing method for use with the medical registration apparatus.