Quantitative Prosthesis Press-Fit Fixation Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a quantitative assessment for primary implant stability in press-fit fixation during hip replacement surgery, relying on surgeons' qualitative senses, which can lead to inadequate stabilization and increased failure rates due to factors like varying bone density and uncontrollable force application.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for quantitatively assessing press-fit fixation by monitoring rigidity and elasticity metrics during the insertion of a prosthesis into a bone cavity, using an insertion agency to apply controlled forces and adjust based on real-time feedback to achieve optimal fixation without fracturing the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mallet based techniques are used for impaction, then prosthesis can be installed into bone cavity, but surgeons cannot control or quantify the magnitude of force applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mallet-based mechanical impact with a motorized impaction device that uses controlled rotational motion and mechanical advantage to deliver precise, quantifiable force to the prosthesis during installation into the bone cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that provide real-time feedback on the force being applied during impaction, allowing the surgeon to monitor and adjust the magnitude of force to achieve optimal press-fit fixation without exceeding safe limits
2Ease of operation
If surgeons rely on qualitative proprioceptive senses to assess press fit fixation, then assessment can be performed, but quantitative measurement of primary stability is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective tactile and auditory assessment with objective electronic sensors that measure vibration frequency, acceleration, and other mechanical parameters to quantitatively determine the primary stability and press-fit quality of the implanted prosthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary measurement devices such as accelerometers and vibration sensors that mediate between the mechanical interaction at the bone-prosthesis interface and the surgeon's assessment, converting physical phenomena into quantifiable data
3Reliability
If oversized prosthesis is impacted into undersized cavity to produce primary stability, then press fit fixation is achieved, but risk of bone fracture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the impaction process, adjusting the force, rate, and distribution of loading during prosthesis insertion based on real-time feedback from bone density measurements and force sensors, allowing optimization of press-fit stability while preventing excessive force that could cause fracture
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes critical parameters such as impact force magnitude, impaction rate, and distribution of loading during the installation process based on measured bone properties and real-time feedback, enabling adaptation to patient-specific anatomy and bone quality to achieve stable fixation without fracture
4Adaptability or versatility
If bone density varies significantly based on patient age and sex, then individualized fixation is needed, but surgeons lack knowledge of patient-specific bone properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of bone density and mechanical properties using ultrasound, DXA, or other imaging techniques before prosthesis installation, allowing the surgeon to plan and adjust the impaction parameters in advance based on patient-specific bone characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the bone itself to provide information about its properties through real-time measurement during surgery using integrated sensors that detect bone density, elasticity, and mechanical response, eliminating the need for the surgeon to have prior knowledge of patient-specific bone properties
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for quantitatively assessing a press fit value (and provide a mechanism to evaluate optimal quantitative values) of any implant/bone interface regardless the variables involved including bone site preparation, material properties of bone and implant, implant geometry and coefficient of friction of the implant-bone interface without requiring a visual positional assessment of a depth of insertion. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.