Orthopaedic Prosthesis Position Monitoring via Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective post-operative monitoring of orthopaedic prostheses to detect potential issues such as migration or subsidence, which can indicate implant loosening, as existing methods lack comprehensive and reliable tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a patient support platform with a sensor array and a controller that uses magnetic or wireless signals to track the position of orthopaedic prostheses, allowing for real-time monitoring and comparison with historical data to detect changes in prosthesis position relative to the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If post-operative monitoring of orthopaedic prosthesis position is implemented, then early detection of migration or subsidence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with magnetic field-based sensing. Magnetic sensors detect the position of magnetic sources implanted with the prosthesis, eliminating the need for mechanical markers or complex imaging equipment while achieving continuous, reliable position monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the prosthesis and the monitoring system. Magnetic sources attached to the prosthesis generate magnetic fields that are detected by magnetic sensors, providing indirect but accurate position information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex optical systems.
2Productivity
If continuous position monitoring is performed, then migration detection accuracy is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring task into multiple magnetic sensors distributed around the patient's body. Each sensor measures the magnetic field from the prosthesis at a specific location, and the controller processes these segmented measurements to calculate the three-dimensional position of the prosthesis, achieving high precision through distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear position measurement to three-dimensional spatial positioning by arranging magnetic sensors in a multi-dimensional configuration. This allows the system to track the prosthesis position in all three spatial dimensions simultaneously, improving measurement precision through dimensional expansion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and continuous monitoring of orthopaedic prosthesis position, providing early indicators of potential complications like migration or subsidence, thereby facilitating timely interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor array may include a plurality of magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensors may be configured to generate data signals in response to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic source(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for determining a position of an orthopedic prosthesis includes a patient support platform, a sensor array coupled to the patient support platform, and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor array. The sensor array is configured to generate data signals in response to an output signal of a signal source(s) coupled to the orthopedic prosthesis and/or a bone of the patient. The controller is configured to determine a position of the orthopedic prosthesis and/or the bone of the patient based on the data signals.