Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery System for Soft Tissue Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement surgery techniques face challenges in achieving accurate soft tissue balancing due to the subjective nature of assessing soft tissue tension, leading to suboptimal outcomes and the need for extensive manual instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted orthopedic surgery system that includes a three-dimensional position tracking system, a robot, and a display, utilizing a processor to acquire native gap data, simulate implant gap profiles, and determine an optimized implant plan based on implant planning criteria, bone quality, and distraction forces to improve soft tissue balancing and implant positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual instrumentation and subjective assessment are used for soft tissue balancing, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the measurement precision and reliability of soft tissue tension assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment tools (alignment rods, cutting blocks, manual spreaders) with a robotic system that uses sensors and computer vision to objectively measure soft tissue tension. The robot applies controlled forces and measures joint compliance through electronic sensors, transforming subjective manual assessment into objective quantitative measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-assisted planning and navigation system as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical instrumentation. This system processes imaging data, simulates implant positioning, and guides the surgical procedure, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring the surgeon to directly manipulate complex measurement tools.
2Reliability
If robotic systems are used to improve soft tissue balancing, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity and number of required instruments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a robotic system that performs multiple functions: preoperative planning through virtual simulation, intraoperative guidance, soft tissue tension measurement, and implant positioning. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate tools for each task, the patent reduces the overall complexity burden despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs extensive planning and simulation of the surgical procedure before the actual surgery using preoperative imaging and virtual modeling. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to optimize implant positioning and soft tissue balancing strategies in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during the surgical procedure itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If subjective manual assessment is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the manufacturing precision of implant positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors measure actual joint compliance and soft tissue tension during the procedure, and this information is fed back to the surgical navigation system. The system then adjusts implant positioning recommendations based on actual measured values, ensuring high precision while providing the surgeon with automated guidance that simplifies the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies (digital models) of the patient's anatomy and the implant from preoperative imaging data. These virtual models allow for precise simulation and planning of implant positioning before surgery, and the same models are used intraoperatively to guide placement, ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved through digital rather than purely manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer assisted orthopedic surgery system for soft tissue balancing and implant planning is provided. The system includes a three dimensional position tracking system, a robot, a display, and a computer. The computer is operatively in communication with the three dimensional position tracking system, the robot and the display. The computer includes a processor configured to acquire native gap data between a first bone and a second bone of a joint, simulate implant gap data between a first implant model on a first bone model of the first bone and a second implant model on a second bone model of the second bone of the joint based on an implant planning criteria to calculate a plurality of implant gap profiles, determine a best match of the plurality of implant gap profiles to the native gap profile to determine an optimized implant plan, and output the optimized implant plan.