Patella Tracking for Tibial Implant Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for aligning and positioning implants in joint endoprosthesis, such as knee joints, fail to consider the native course of the femoral trochlea and the force vector of the patella tendon, leading to potential patellar dislocation and pain due to inadequate consideration of femoro-patellar kinematics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that acquires and processes data on the native trochlea's position and course relative to joint centers and bony axes to provide alignment and positioning data for both femoral and tibial implants, using best-fit algorithms to optimize kinematics and account for patellar ligament tension, allowing real-time adjustments during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional geometric parameters (e.g., Akagi Line) are used for tibial implant alignment, then the alignment process is simple and quick, but the force vector of the patella tendon and its change over flexion/extension are not considered, leading to potential patellar dislocation and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition and analysis of the native trochlea course and patellar tendon force vector before implant alignment is finalized. By pre-determining these critical parameters and using them to guide the alignment process, the system ensures that the force vector and patellar kinematics are considered from the outset, preventing patellar dislocation and pain while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where alignment data is continuously adjusted based on the native trochlea course and patellar tendon force vector measurements. This feedback mechanism ensures that the final implant alignment optimally reproduces natural patellar kinematics and force distribution, resolving the contradiction between simple alignment procedures and reliable patellar function outcomes
2Reliability
If the native trochlea course and patellar tendon force vector are considered in implant alignment, then patellar kinematics and force distribution are optimized, but the alignment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual measurement and alignment procedures with an automated computer-based system that uses imaging data and computational algorithms to determine optimal implant alignment. This substitution of mechanical measurement methods with digital imaging and processing significantly reduces the complexity and time required to consider the native trochlea course and patellar tendon force vector, while maintaining high reliability in patellar function outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the alignment process by changing from traditional geometric parameters to a comprehensive set of parameters including the native trochlea course, patellar tendon force vector, and their relationship over flexion/extension. By integrating these parameters into a unified computational framework, the system manages the increased complexity through systematic parameter management and optimization algorithms
3Productivity
If implants are aligned using conventional methods without considering femoro-patellar kinematics, then the surgical procedure is faster, but postoperative complications such as patellar dislocation and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition and analysis of femoro-patellar kinematics including the native trochlea course and patellar tendon force vector before implant alignment is finalized. By pre-determining these critical parameters and using them to guide the alignment process, the system ensures that postoperative complications are prevented without significantly extending surgical time
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces time-consuming manual assessment of femoro-patellar kinematics with automated digital imaging and computational analysis. This substitution enables rapid evaluation of the native trochlea course and patellar tendon force vector, allowing the surgical procedure to maintain high speed while thoroughly considering femoro-patellar kinematics to prevent postoperative complications
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method provide alignment and positioning data of a joint endoprosthesis. Information is acquired as input data on the position and course of the native trochlea of a first bone relative to the joint center, with the joint lines of the first bone and a second bone forming the joint. The acquired input data is processed, and output data is calculated to generate alignment and positioning data of a first joint partial implant of the first bone having an artificial trochlea and a second joint partial implant of the second bone, in which the artificial trochlea of the first joint partial implant replaces the native trochlea of the first bone as identically as possible in alignment and position. Alignment and positioning data is output.