Prosthetic Joint Kinetic Alignment With Real-Time Load Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic alignment procedures for implantation, such as leg alignment, rely heavily on subjective skills and experience, leading to unpredictable outcomes in functional efficacy, patient comfort, and prosthesis longevity, especially when performed by surgeons with varying levels of skill and experience.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic orthopedic balancer system that provides real-time quantitative data and feedback to surgeons through a GUI, using sensors to measure load, position, and alignment during orthopedic surgeries, ensuring accurate alignment and installation of prosthetic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical jigs and trial procedures are used for orthopedic alignment, then the surgeon can perform the procedure with subjective skills, but the outcome predictability and accuracy remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical alignment methods with an optical measurement system comprising cameras, markers, and computer processing. The system uses visual tracking of anatomical landmarks and implant positions to objectively calculate alignment parameters, eliminating reliance on surgeon experience and mechanical jigs while improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If expensive equipment and complex procedures are used to improve alignment accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but medical costs and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of markers and cameras before the actual alignment procedure. Reference frames are established in advance on anatomical landmarks, allowing real-time calculation of alignment parameters during surgery without requiring complex post-procedure analysis or multiple trial adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the patient's anatomy and implant positions through optical tracking. This digital copy allows for real-time visualization and calculation of alignment parameters, enabling accurate measurements without physical trial-and-error adjustments that would consume surgical time.
3Reliability
If trial and error methods are used for implant alignment, then the surgeon can adjust based on experience, but the functional efficacy and prosthesis longevity become unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on implant alignment by continuously tracking marker positions and calculating alignment parameters. The computer processing system generates immediate numerical and visual feedback on varus/valgus angles, anteversion, and other critical parameters, allowing the surgeon to make informed adjustments based on objective data rather than subjective experience.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
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AI summary
A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure a magnitude and a position of an applied load and a joint alignment. The system further includes a remote system for receiving, processing, and displaying quantitative measurements from the sensors. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the magnitude and the position of the applied load and the joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation. The kinetic assessment increases both performance and reliability of the installed joint by reducing error that is introduced by elements that load or modify the joint dynamics.