Patella Tracking Model for Post-Surgery Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques fail to account for patella function and position during knee replacement surgery, leading to misalignment and the need for further surgical interventions, and lack understanding of patellar replacement necessity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for characterizing the anterior geometry of the patella, determining the position of its posterior apex, and tracking its movement to provide recommendations for improving patello-femoral response, including drilling a cavity and inserting a marker for precise tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical techniques are used without patella tracking, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the patella becomes misaligned or improperly positioned requiring further intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the patella's anterior geometry and determination of posterior apex position before surgery. This preoperative planning allows the surgical team to understand patellar anatomy and predict post-surgery positioning, enabling accurate implant placement without complex intraoperative tracking equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between preoperative imaging and intraoperative surgery. This digital model processes CT scan data to create a virtual representation of the patella, allowing surgeons to plan and visualize the surgical procedure before actually performing it, thus simplifying the physical surgical process while improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If patella tracking arrays and navigation systems are used, then patella position can be accurately tracked, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex physical tracking arrays on the patella, the system creates a digital copy (computational model) of the patella from preoperative CT scans. This virtual model is then used to simulate and predict patellar movement and positioning throughout the surgical range of motion, eliminating the need for physical tracking equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking systems (physical arrays, cameras, sensors) with a computational simulation approach. The digital model uses algorithms to calculate patellar positioning based on surgical parameters and anatomical data, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with software-based prediction and planning tools.
3Reliability
If detailed patella geometry characterization is performed, then post-surgery patello-femoral response can be predicted, but the preoperative planning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all necessary geometric characterization and modeling work during the preoperative planning phase. By completing the computational model creation, geometry analysis, and movement simulation before surgery, the actual surgical procedure can be executed more efficiently without time-consuming intraoperative measurements or adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of improving a patello-femoral response is described. A computing system characterizes an anterior geometry of a patella and determines a position of a posterior apex of the patella in relation to one or more features of the anterior geometry of the patella. The computing system further receives location information related to the patella as a knee joint is moved through a range of motion. The computing system provides one or more recommendations to improve a patello-femoral response.