Orthopedic Sensor Pathway for Personalized Joint Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic surgery tools and procedures are standardized and fail to account for significant patient-to-patient variations, leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes, increased costs, and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic orthopedic measurement system using implantable and wearable sensors to provide real-time quantitative measurement data for pre-operative planning, intra-operative adjustments, and post-operative monitoring, including implantable devices with IMUs and wireless communication for feedback and rehabilitation guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized surgical tools and procedures are used, then consistency and ease of operation are improved, but adaptability to individual patient variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static standardized procedures to dynamic adaptive procedures by using real-time measurement data from sensors to adjust surgical parameters. The surgical plan is dynamically modified based on actual patient anatomy and tissue characteristics detected during surgery, allowing the standardized workflow to adapt to individual variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where measurement data from implantable and wearable sensors is processed to provide real-time information about surgical progress and patient response. This feedback enables surgeons to adjust their approach based on objective data rather than relying solely on pre-operative plans or subjective assessment.
2Manufacturing precision
If personalized surgical plans with real-time monitoring are implemented, then surgical precision and outcomes are improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate functional modules: implantable sensors for intraoperative measurement, wearable sensors for postoperative monitoring, wireless communication components, and data processing systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that can measure multiple parameters (position, orientation, force, temperature) simultaneously. The same sensor platform serves both intraoperative guidance and postoperative rehabilitation monitoring, reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
3Reliability
If real-time measurement data collection and processing are performed, then surgical decision-making quality is improved, but time consumption during surgery increases
Solution Approach 1:
Measurement thresholds, target ranges, and decision criteria are pre-programmed into the system before surgery. The data processing algorithms and interpretation rules are established in advance, allowing real-time data to be automatically compared against predetermined standards without requiring complex intraoperative analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic data processing, analysis, and interpretation without requiring constant surgeon intervention. The measurement system self-calibrates, automatically filters noise, and presents processed results in an easily interpretable format, reducing the time the surgeon needs to spend analyzing raw data.
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
Enhances surgical precision, reduces surgery time and costs, and improves patient rehabilitation by providing personalized surgical plans and continuous monitoring, thereby optimizing surgical outcomes and recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system includes an inertial measurement unit for measuring movement, position, or orientation
Implementation Method 2
The implantable device is configured to transmit the measurement data to an external system using wireless electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An end to end process is disclosed that includes an installation of a prosthetic component, a prosthetic joint, or repair a musculoskeletal system. The pathway of care comprises a pre-operative pathway of care, an intra-operative pathway of care, and a post-operative pathway of care. An application downloaded to a computer drives the process. The application can include integrated PROMS, pain scores, patient Q&A, surveys, a calendar of events (such as physical therapy visits), and contact to surgeon, doctor, or healthcare provider. The pathway of care is an end to end process utilizing wearable devices, implantable devices, sensorized equipment, and sensorized tools to generate measurement data that supports a pre-operative plan, surgery, and post-operative rehabilitation. The application couples to the devices disclosed herein above to engage the patient one or more tasks such that sensors on the devices generate measurement data. The process provides better patient care while allowing the surgeon, doctor, or healthcare provider to handle more patients.