Orthopedic Load Sensing Module for Joint Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic joint replacement surgeries lack precise methods for assessing and ensuring proper alignment and placement of implant components, leading to variations in patient outcomes due to the skill-dependent adaptation of standardized procedures to individual patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensing module with an encapsulating structure, sensors, and electronic assemblage that measures physical parameters like load, force, and pressure by evaluating changes in ultrasound wave propagation, allowing real-time data transmission for optimal joint balancing during surgery and post-operative monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized joint replacement procedures are used to meet general population needs, then device versatility and ease of manufacture are improved, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to inability to account for individual patient variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement tools with an electronic sensing module that uses piezoelectric sensors to detect and measure forces, pressures, and loads on the implant. This electronic substitution enables precise quantitative measurement of individual patient-specific parameters, resolving the contradiction between standardized procedures and individualized precision assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module acts as an intermediary between the implant and the patient's body, providing real-time data about alignment and loading conditions. This intermediary device enables precise measurement of individual variations without requiring complex surgical techniques, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining procedural standardization
2Adaptability or versatility
If skill-dependent adaptation of standardized procedures is used to account for individual patient variations, then adaptability to individual needs is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation worsen due to reliance on surgeon skill
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module performs self-measurement and self-assessment of alignment and loading conditions, eliminating the need for complex surgeon-performed assessments. The device automatically captures and transmits data, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining adaptability to individual patient anatomy through objective measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during surgery about implant alignment and loading, enabling automatic adaptation to individual patient variations without requiring complex surgeon judgment. This feedback mechanism simplifies the surgical procedure by providing objective data that guides implant placement, reducing reliance on surgeon skill while improving adaptability
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive patient-specific data collection is implemented to improve implant performance, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and use of energy worsen due to additional sensing and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (force, pressure, load measurement) into a single integrated sensing module that can be implanted with the prosthesis. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive patient-specific data collection for precise assessment of joint loading conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module is designed as a universal platform that can measure multiple parameters (forces, pressures, loads) simultaneously using the same basic sensor technology. This multi-functionality approach enables comprehensive data collection without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same sensor type handles multiple measurement tasks
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
Enables precise measurement and adjustment of joint alignment and loading during surgery, ensuring optimal fit and balance of prosthetic components, and provides long-term data for improved joint performance and extended implant lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a transit time of an energy pulse through the load-bearing structure... evaluating changes in the transit time... to determine the applied load
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (1802) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The cap (1702) is adhesively coupled to the housing (1706). The adhesive is flexible allowing movement of the cap (1702) when a force, pressure, or load is applied thereto.