Optical Bone Registration With Virtual Image Overlay for Knee Arthroplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic knee arthroplasty systems require cumbersome probing sequences for bone registration and lack real-time accuracy in calculating mechanical axes, making it difficult to guide surgeons in accurately placing implants.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a measurement device to collect bone surface information, track reference points, and calculate mechanical axes in real-time, providing a virtual image overlaid onto a visual model to assist in surgical device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional probing sequences are used for bone registration, then the registration can be completed, but the process becomes timely and cumbersome for surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical probing system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using physical probes to manually measure bone surfaces, the system employs optical sensors and cameras to capture bone geometry and track reference points, eliminating the time-consuming manual probing process while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the bone's surface geometry and mechanical axes through optical scanning and 3D modeling. This virtual model allows surgeons to visualize and plan implant placement without repeatedly physically probing the bone, significantly reducing surgical time while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If intramedullary rod or extramedullary rod is used to discover mechanical axes, then the axes can be determined, but the process requires additional equipment and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical axes calculation from the physical rod-based systems and performs it computationally. By using optical tracking of reference points on the bone surface and applying geometric algorithms, the system determines mechanical axes without requiring intramedullary or extramedullary rods, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between the physical bone and the surgical planning process. Instead of directly using physical rods to find mechanical axes, the system uses optical data and algorithms as a mediator to calculate axes, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision
3Measurement precision
If contact infrared probes are used for measurement, then bone surface data can be collected, but the probing sequence is timely and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based infrared probing with non-contact optical measurement systems. Cameras and optical sensors capture bone surface geometry and track reference points without physical contact, eliminating the cumbersome probing sequence while maintaining measurement precision and improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous optical tracking of bone and surgical instruments throughout the procedure. Instead of intermittent probing, the system continuously captures data, allowing real-time visualization and adjustment, which simplifies the surgical workflow and improves ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems may be used intraoperatively to help surgeons perform accurate and replicable surgeries, such as knee arthroplasty surgeries. An example system combines real time measurement and tracking components with functionality to compile data collected by the hardware to register a bone of a patient, calculate an axis (e.g., mechanical axis) of the leg of the patient, assist a surgeon in placing cut guides, and verify a placement of an inserted prosthesis.