Patella Tracking Using Optical Navigation for Knee Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for knee replacement do not adequately account for patella function and position, leading to misalignment or improper positioning, which can require further surgical intervention and complicate patellar replacement decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method for characterizing the anterior geometry of the patella, determining the position of its posterior apex, and tracking its movement during knee joint flexion to provide recommendations for improving patello-femoral response, including drilling a cavity for marker insertion and using a drill guide to ensure accurate patella tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical techniques are used for knee replacement, then the surgical procedure can be performed with standard protocols, but the patella becomes misaligned or improperly positioned requiring further intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the patella tracking into distinct components: a tracking array attached to the patella, an optical navigation system for detection, and software for spatial relationship calculation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to solve the patella positioning problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical navigation system as an intermediary between the surgical instruments and the patella. This intermediary system enables non-contact tracking of the patella through optical markers, avoiding direct mechanical interference while providing precise positional information for surgical planning.
2Measurement precision
If tracking arrays are coupled to surgical components, then accurate tracking of surgical components is achieved, but the patella function and position are not adequately accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by attaching a tracking array to the patella before the surgical procedure begins. This allows the patella's initial position and orientation to be captured and recorded, providing a baseline for comparing changes during and after surgery. The preliminary tracking enables identification of patellar displacement or malalignment that may not be apparent during the surgical procedure itself.
3Productivity
If the patella is not tracked during knee replacement, then the surgical workflow remains simple, but post-surgery offset occurs and joint function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical navigation system provides real-time feedback during the surgical procedure by continuously tracking the patella's position and comparing it against the surgical plan. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to make intraoperative adjustments to ensure the patella remains properly aligned, preventing post-surgery offset while maintaining workflow efficiency through automated tracking.
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.