Computer-Assisted Osteoplasty System for Impingement Zone Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgery techniques for osteoplasty, such as Femoral Acetabular Impingement surgery, face challenges in precise visualization and bone removal due to reduced access and interference from soft tissues, making it difficult for surgeons to accurately identify and address impingement zones without causing excessive bone loss.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system that acquires and displays three-dimensional geometrical models of bones, identifies impingement zones, and provides a color map indicating depths of bone to be removed, allowing for real-time guided bone removal using a tracked tool to enhance joint motion and reduce morbidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive surgery techniques are used for osteoplasty, then patient morbidity is reduced and recovery time is shortened, but surgical precision and visualization of impingement zones are significantly degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer-assisted navigation system as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical site. This system uses pre-operative imaging data and real-time tracking to provide virtual guidance overlays that enhance visualization without requiring open surgical exposure, thereby maintaining minimally invasive benefits while improving surgical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical visualization (open surgical exposure) with a computational guidance system. The navigation system substitutes physical exposure with digital imaging and virtual reality overlays, allowing surgeons to achieve precise bone removal guidance without the morbidity associated with open approaches.
2Illumination intensity
If open surgical dislocation with trochanteric osteotomy is performed, then complete visualization of femoral head and acetabulum is achieved, but patient morbidity and surgical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the patient's anatomy from pre-operative imaging data (CT or MRI scans). These digital models are then used for surgical planning and real-time navigation, allowing surgeons to visualize complete anatomy without physically exposing all structures through complex open procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comprehensive surgical planning and visualization before the actual surgery. Pre-operative imaging and 3D modeling allow the surgical team to identify all impingement zones and plan the approach in advance, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative maneuvers to achieve visualization.
3Loss of time
If fluoroscopy is used during minimally invasive surgery, then real-time imaging is provided, but radiation exposure and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable or single-use tracking markers and portable imaging components that can be quickly deployed and removed. These lightweight, temporary tools provide real-time navigation data without the heavy infrastructure and radiation exposure of traditional fluoroscopy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes ionizing radiation-based fluoroscopy with non-ionizing imaging modalities such as ultrasound or optical tracking systems. These alternatives provide real-time feedback without the harmful radiation effects, reducing patient and surgical staff exposure while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery includes the steps of: (1) producing and displaying three-dimensional geometrical models of first and second bones, the first and second bones forming a joint; (2) identifying a zone of impingement between the first bone and the second bone on at least one of the bones; and (3) generating and displaying a color map of at least one surface of at least one bone, the at least one surface being within the zone of impingement, the color map including different colors representing different depths of bone to be removed in order to achieve an increased range of motion between the first and second bones.