Prosthetic Insert Sensing Module for Knee Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement surgeries lack precise methods for assessing and optimizing the loading and positioning of prosthetic components during surgery, leading to variability in outcomes and potential long-term issues such as wear and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensing module integrated with a prosthetic insert that measures physical parameters like load, force, and pressure in real-time, providing quantitative data to surgeons for optimal installation and long-term monitoring, using sensors, antennas, and electronic circuitry for data processing and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional joint replacement surgery is performed without sensing devices, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the precision of loading and positioning assessment is insufficient leading to variability in outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module is nested within the prosthetic insert itself, with sensors, electronics, and antenna integrated into the insert structure. This allows the measurement system to be contained within the existing prosthetic component, adding measurement precision without requiring separate external sensing devices or significantly complicating the overall surgical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated module: the prosthetic insert serves both its mechanical load-bearing function and as a housing for the sensing system. The sensing module merges structural support with measurement capabilities, eliminating the need for separate sensing devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a sensing module is integrated into the prosthetic insert, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module is designed as a distinct, self-contained unit within the prosthetic insert, with separate sensor elements, electronic circuitry, and antenna components. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing the complexity burden on the overall insert design while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module is designed to be self-contained within the prosthetic insert, with its own power source, signal processing electronics, and data transmission capabilities. This self-service design eliminates the need for external wiring or power sources, reducing the complexity of integration with the surgical system while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If real-time sensing data is collected during surgery, then the quality of surgical outcome is improved, but the time required for data processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module provides real-time feedback during surgery through wireless transmission of loading and positioning data to the surgical system. This immediate feedback allows surgeons to make adjustments during the procedure, improving outcome quality without requiring time-consuming post-surgical analysis, as the data is processed and transmitted in real-time during the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment is directed to an insert for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The insert can be temporary or permanent. In one embodiment, the insert is prosthetic component for a single compartment of the knee. The insert comprises a support structure and a support structure respectively having an articular surface and a load bearing surface. The height of the insert is less than 10 millimeters. At least one internal cavity is formed when support structures are coupled together for housing electronic circuitry, sensors, and the power source. The cavity can be sterilized through a port. A membrane is between the port and the cavity. A sterilization gas permeates the membrane for sterilizing cavity. The membrane reduces the ingress of solids and liquids to the cavity.