Orthopaedic Appliance Setup Using Patient-Specific Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting up orthopedic devices fail to account for individual patient characteristics and potential negative effects on the body, leading to suboptimal fit and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method involving a digital body model and simulation to predict interactions between the orthotic device and the patient's body, allowing for an optimized treatment proposal that minimizes negative effects and ensures a comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an orthotic device is set up without considering individual patient characteristics, then the setup process is simple and fast, but the fit and comfort are suboptimal and may cause negative effects on the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing simulations before the actual orthotic device setup. A digital body model is created from patient data, and multiple treatment proposals are simulated in advance to predict interactions and negative effects. This allows the orthotist to select optimized settings before fabrication, ensuring optimal fit and comfort while avoiding body damage without increasing the actual setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a digital copy (digital body model) of the patient's body to simulate orthotic device interactions. Instead of trial-and-error physical fitting, a virtual replica is created from patient data (scans, measurements, medical records), allowing repeated simulations of different orthotic configurations to predict outcomes before actual application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing orthotic devices are used without individualization, then manufacturing and setup are easier, but they may cause compensatory postures or long-term damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the orthotic device to specific local characteristics of the patient's body. The digital body model captures individual anatomical features, and the orthotic design is adapted to address specific patient needs (e.g., leg length discrepancy, knee alignment issues) while considering local tissue characteristics and pressure distribution requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters of the orthotic device based on patient-specific data. Treatment proposals include adjusting orthotic type, material properties, geometric dimensions, and mechanical characteristics to match individual patient characteristics. The simulation evaluates how these parameter changes affect body interactions to select optimal settings that prevent harmful effects.
3Reliability
If multiple treatment proposals are simulated to find optimal settings, then patient safety and comfort are improved, but the computation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by evaluating simulation results and using them to refine treatment proposals. The evaluation unit analyzes interaction data from simulations (pressure distribution, joint loads, comfort metrics) and feeds this information back to generate optimized treatment proposals. This iterative feedback process continues until optimal settings are achieved, ensuring patient safety while managing computation time through efficient algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the computer-based setting up of an orthopaedic device which is worn on the body of a patient provided therewith, the method comprising the following computer-implemented steps: - providing a digital model of the body; - providing body-related patient parameters for fitting the patient with an orthopaedic device; - providing a digital orthopaedic care proposal which comprises providing the patient with an orthopaedic care model and with care parameters associated therewith; - using a simulation device to simulate orthopaedic care for the patient on the model of the body with the orthopaedic care proposal, taking account of the body-related patient parameters provided, - wherein, on the basis of the simulation, an interaction between the model of the body and the orthopaedic care proposal is ascertained by means of an evaluation unit; and - determining on the basis of the orthopaedic care proposal already provided an optimized orthopaedic care proposal in dependence on the interaction ascertained by means of the evaluation unit.