Pelvis Reference Device for Anatomical Orientation Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hip arthroplasty, improper alignment of the reamer and impactor can lead to uneven wear and dislocation due to challenges in accurately determining anatomical orientations during the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine anatomical orientations based on the orientation of a reference surface and features of the pelvis, using processing devices and data storage to register these orientations to a reference device configured to move with the pelvis, allowing for precise alignment of surgical tools like the acetabular cup implant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment methods are used for reamer and impactor, then the surgical procedure is simpler to perform, but the alignment precision deteriorates leading to uneven wear and dislocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A reference device is introduced as an intermediary between the surgical tools and the patient's anatomy. This reference device establishes a coordinate system that mediates the alignment process, allowing precise determination of anatomical orientations without requiring complex direct measurements between multiple surgical instruments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with a system that uses detected positions and computational determination of anatomical orientations. Instead of relying on physical alignment tools and manual estimation, the system uses detected positions of anatomical landmarks and computational geometry to determine precise orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If anatomical landmarks are manually identified and aligned, then the procedure is faster to perform, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical orientation accuracyVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of anatomical landmarks and establishes the coordinate system before the actual surgical intervention begins. By pre-determining the anatomical orientations and registering them to the reference device, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment measurements during the critical surgical phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a computational model (copy) of the patient's anatomical coordinate system based on detected landmark positions. This virtual model allows for precise orientation determination and can be manipulated computationally without requiring physical measurement tools, reducing both time and error

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed reference system is used, then the coordinate system is easier to establish, but the system cannot adapt to patient movement during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to patient movementVSAvoidtracking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static reference framework to a dynamic one by registering anatomical orientations to a reference device that can move with the patient's anatomy. As the patient moves during surgery, the reference device moves accordingly, and the system continuously maintains accurate orientation information through updated positional data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference device serves multiple functions: it establishes the initial coordinate system, tracks patient movement, and provides continuous orientation reference throughout surgery. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2819610B1Determining anatomical orientations
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 SMITH & NEPHEW INC
  • EP2819610B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2819610B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2819610B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining anatomical orientations are described. Data is received that indicates a position of a reference device configured to move with a pelvis of a subject. Data is received that indicates locations corresponding to a reference surface. Data is received that indicates locations on the pelvis. One or more anatomical orientations are determined based on the locations corresponding to the reference surface and the locations on the pelvis. The anatomical orientations are registered to the reference device.