Automated Osteophyte Removal for Patient-Specific Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic implant manufacturing methods lack efficient and accurate automation for osteophyte or protrusion removal, which can interfere with implant fitting and require manual, time-consuming modifications.
Innovation Solution
An automated osteophyte/protrusion removal control module integrated into the manufacturing method, allowing surgeons to interactively select and manipulate graphical tools for precise removal of bone irregularities, enabling more accurate and efficient preparation of patient-specific implant designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated osteophyte removal control is implemented, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary between the surgeon and the implant manufacturing process. The automated osteophyte removal control module processes 3D imaging data and generates precise removal guidelines, serving as a mediator that translates anatomical requirements into manufacturing instructions, thereby achieving high precision without requiring complex manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of 3D imaging data to automatically identify osteophyte locations and generate removal guidelines before the actual manufacturing process. This preliminary action allows the complex removal operation to be planned and controlled in advance, improving precision while managing complexity through automated preparation
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual modification of implant is performed, then adaptability to patient anatomy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical modification processes with an automated computer-controlled system. The automated osteophyte removal control module uses image processing algorithms to identify and mark removal areas, substituting manual measurement and marking operations with automated digital analysis, thereby maintaining customization while significantly reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (3D model) of the patient's anatomy from imaging data and performs virtual analysis and planning on this copy before physical manufacturing. This virtual copying allows complex anatomical adaptations to be planned and optimized in the digital domain, reducing the time required for physical modification
3Manufacturing precision
If automated osteophyte removal control is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the surgeon through visual display of the 3D model with automatically identified osteophytes and proposed removal areas. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to review and adjust the automated analysis, maintaining ease of operation by keeping the surgeon in control while benefiting from automated precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the specific patient anatomy and surgical requirements. The automated osteophyte removal control module adapts its analysis and guidance based on the 3D imaging data and surgeon input, providing precision when needed while maintaining flexibility and ease of operation through responsive interaction
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic implant manufacturing method. The method includes preparing a pre-operative surgical plan for a specific patient, the surgical plan including a three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating at least one resection plane, communicating the surgical plan to a surgeon of the patient, and receiving approval of the surgical plan and the resection plane by the surgeon. The method also includes providing automated osteophyte/protrusion removal control for surgeon manipulation, receiving a modified three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating an osteophyte/protrusion removal and a recommendation for a corresponding selected orthopedic implant from the surgeon, and requesting manufacture of the selected orthopedic implant.