Revision Joint Planning With 3D Implant Removal Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical planning technologies face challenges in accurately segmenting and characterizing orthopedic joints with existing implants, leading to unreliable pre-operative and intra-operative guidance for surgical revision procedures.

Innovation Solution

A computing system employs image processing techniques to segment and identify existing implants, determine their type, and generate pre-implant morbid approximations of bones using statistical shape models, enabling improved surgical planning and guidance by providing 3D models of joint anatomy without the implant's presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual methods are used for surgical planning, then flexibility and customization are maintained, but time consumption and lack of precision increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical planning precisionVSAvoidsurgical planning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating 3D models, measuring anatomical structures, and creating surgical plans before the actual surgery. Image data is processed pre-operatively to establish precise measurements and surgical guidance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurements during the surgical procedure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital 3D copies and virtual models of the patient's actual anatomy from medical images. These virtual models serve as precise replicas that can be manipulated, measured, and used for surgical planning without requiring direct manual measurement of the physical anatomy, thereby improving precision while reducing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex custom implants are designed for revision surgery, then patient-specific fit and function are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal platform that combines automated image processing, 3D modeling, and measurement tools that can be applied across different implant types and surgical scenarios. This multi-functional platform handles various anatomical structures and implant configurations through standardized workflows, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high adaptability for patient-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves implant customization by modifying parameters within a standardized design framework rather than creating entirely unique designs for each patient. Key parameters such as size, shape, and positioning can be adjusted based on automated measurements from the patient's anatomy, allowing adaptability while keeping manufacturing processes relatively simple and consistent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional surgical techniques are used without pre-operative 3D modeling, then surgical speed may be maintained, but surgical accuracy and outcome prediction decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical accuracyVSAvoidplanning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary digital planning stage between diagnosis and surgery. Virtual 3D models and surgical simulations serve as intermediaries that allow surgeons to plan and visualize procedures before execution, improving surgical accuracy without requiring complex physical models or prototypes. The digital intermediary provides precise guidance while keeping the actual surgical procedure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4013333B1Pre-operative planning of surgical revision procedures for orthopedic joints
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP
  • EP4013333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4013333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4013333B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A system is configured to obtain image data of a joint of a patient; determine that the joint includes an existing implant; and one or both of generate an identification of a type for the existing implant and generate a pre-implant, morbid approximation of the joint.