Removable Rails with Load Sensors for Orthopaedic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopaedic external fixation systems lack the ability to monitor and control the load exerted on the limb during walking, potentially leading to excessive loading on fragile bones and interference with surrounding objects, especially in patients with reduced sensitivity, and existing solutions are not applicable to systems where the foot is not in direct contact with the ground.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic external fixation system with removable rails or skates equipped with load sensors and an electronic apparatus that detects threshold pressure forces, providing feedback to ensure compliance with therapeutic protocols and preventing interference with objects while walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rails or skates are added to allow patient mobility, then patient mobility is improved, but control over limb loading during walking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates load sensors in the rails or skates that provide real-time feedback about the load applied to the limb during walking. This feedback mechanism allows the patient to maintain mobility while having control over limb loading through immediate information about the forces being applied, enabling them to adjust their walking pattern to comply with therapeutic protocols.
2Strength
If the external frame is made bulky to support the fixation system, then structural strength is improved, but interference with surrounding objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rails or skates removable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different situations. When mobility is needed, the rails can be attached to provide support and prevent interference with surrounding objects. When not needed, they can be removed to reduce bulkiness and potential interference, while the underlying fixation system maintains its structural strength.
3Measurement precision
If load monitoring is added to the rails or skates, then measurement precision of limb loading is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the external fixation system into modular components, with load sensors integrated specifically into the removable rails or skates. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be added only where needed (in the rails/skates that contact the ground) without complicating the entire fixation system. The modular design enables the sensors to be included or excluded based on whether the rails or skates are being used.
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
The system effectively monitors and controls the load on the limb, ensuring compliance with therapeutic protocols and preventing interference with surrounding objects, thereby facilitating safe and controlled mobility for patients with external fixation systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least a load sensor associated to at least one of said rails or skates
Data Source
AI summary
An improved orthopaedic external fixation system with removable rails or skates and may include: at least a distal foot fixation element; at least a pair of rails or skates removably connected to the foot fixation element; at least a load sensor associated to at least one of the rails or skates; an electronic apparatus coupled to the load sensor and receiving an electric signal from the load sensor; an electronic controller coupled to the apparatus and issuing at least a flag signal upon detection of a threshold pressure force on said at least one of said rails or skates. This electronic controller may be mounted on the orthopaedic system or may be a structurally independent host device including a controller that is in signal communication with the load sensors.