Reference Templates for Prosthetic Compatibility Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hip replacement surgery, surgeons face challenges in verifying compatibility between prosthetic parts from different manufacturers regarding articulation parameters such as minimum articulation angles in the anterior/posterior and medial/lateral planes, as manufacturers typically guarantee compatibility only for their complete prostheses.

Innovation Solution

The use of reference templates that represent specific information about the compatible dimensions and geometrical properties of prosthetic parts, allowing surgeons to perform a visual inspection to assess compatibility by aligning these templates with actual prosthetic components, ensuring compliance with minimum range of motion requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If prosthetic parts from different manufacturers are used together, then surgeon flexibility and patient customization options improve, but verification of compatibility regarding articulation parameters becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon flexibility in part selectionVSAvoidcompatibility verification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates two-dimensional reference templates that are copies or representations of the three-dimensional prosthetic parts and their compatibility requirements. These templates capture the essential geometric information needed for compatibility verification, allowing surgeons to perform assessments using simplified 2D representations rather than complex 3D analysis or physical prototypes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical compatibility verification procedures with a visual inspection method. Instead of requiring physical assembly tests, mechanical measurements, or computational analysis, the surgeon simply needs to visually compare the prosthesis template against the reference template to determine compatibility, significantly simplifying the verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If visual inspection method using templates is implemented, then compatibility verification becomes easy and quick, but precision and accuracy of articulation parameter assessment must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility verification easeVSAvoidarticulation parameter assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference templates are created as accurate 2D representations or copies of the actual 3D prosthetic components and their geometric constraints. By carefully designing these templates to faithfully represent the critical dimensions and articulation parameters, the visual inspection method maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms three-dimensional compatibility verification requirements into two-dimensional template parameters that can be easily inspected visually. By changing the dimensional parameters from 3D space to 2D representation, the system maintains the essential geometric information needed for accurate assessment while making the verification process much simpler and faster.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive compatibility verification for multiple articulation parameters is performed, then reliability of joint prosthesis function improves, but time required for surgical planning and verification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint prosthesis function reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical planning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple articulation parameter verifications into a single visual inspection process. Instead of separately checking each articulation parameter (anterior/posterior plane, medial/lateral plane, range of motion, etc.), the reference template integrates all these requirements into one unified visual comparison, allowing the surgeon to verify all parameters simultaneously and significantly reducing verification time while maintaining comprehensive reliability checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference templates are prepared in advance during the design and manufacturing phase, incorporating all necessary compatibility criteria and articulation parameter requirements. This preliminary preparation of verification tools eliminates the need for time-consuming calculations or measurements during surgical planning, as the surgeon can directly use the pre-prepared templates for quick visual assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9050134B2Device and method for verifying compatability between cooperating parts of a joint prosthesis

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 ZIMMER GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for verifying compatibility between cooperating parts of a joint prosthesis. The compatibility between the cooperating parts is with respect to at least one articulation parameter.