Robotic Ankle Fracture Assistant with Optical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for reducing and stabilizing the distal tibiofibular joint during ankle fracture procedures are inaccurate and expose patients and surgical staff to excessive radiation due to reliance on 2D fluoroscopic imaging.

Innovation Solution

A robotic system with a passive arm and an actuatable section, controlled by a computer system that communicates with the actuatable section, is used to assist surgeons in accurately reducing the distal tibiofibular joint. The system includes a fastening mechanism for the tibia and fibula, and it limits motion to a maximum force and torque amount, reducing radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 2D fluoroscopic imaging is used to evaluate reduction, then radiation exposure to patient and clinician increases, but measurement precision of fibula reduction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of fibula reduction evaluationVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D fluoroscopic imaging to 3D optical imaging (structured light scanning) to evaluate fibula reduction. This dimensional change enables accurate three-dimensional assessment of the distal tibiofibular joint alignment without requiring repeated 2D fluoroscopic shots, thereby improving measurement precision while eliminating radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the radiation-based fluoroscopic imaging system with an optical imaging system using structured light and cameras. This substitution eliminates the harmful radiation while providing sufficient measurement precision for evaluating fibula reduction accuracy through non-contact optical scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual correction of malreduction is performed, then surgeon control is maintained, but manufacturing precision of joint reduction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of distal tibiofibular joint reductionVSAvoidsurgeon manual manipulation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a robotic manipulator as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the actual fibula manipulation. The robotic arm, controlled by the surgeon via a control system, performs the precise reduction movements with force and position control, achieving manufacturing precision that exceeds manual capability while maintaining surgeon authority over the reduction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual surgeon manipulation with a robotic manipulation system that provides controlled force and position feedback. This substitution enables precise control of the fibula reduction process with consistent accuracy, eliminating the variability and limitations of manual manipulation while keeping the surgeon in control through the robotic interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If repeated fluoroscopic imaging is performed during procedure, then reduction accuracy can be evaluated, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfidence in reduction accuracyVSAvoidcumulative radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces repeated 2D fluoroscopic imaging with a single or limited number of 3D optical scans that provide comprehensive visualization of the joint reduction from multiple angles simultaneously. This dimensional change maintains reliability of reduction assessment while eliminating the need for repeated radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the distal tibiofibular joint anatomy and reduction status using optical scanning. This digital model can be viewed, measured, and analyzed repeatedly without requiring additional physical imaging, thereby maintaining evaluation reliability while avoiding cumulative radiation exposure from repeated fluoroscopy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250143810A1Robotic assistant for ankle fracture with syndesmotic injury

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A robotic system to assist a surgeon during ankle fracture procedures includes an imaging system configured to be at least one of mounted on or arranged adjacent to a robotic device. The system includes a passive arm, a separate actuatable section, and a controller configured to communicate with the actuatable section. The passive arm is structured to be placed on a side of a patient's leg fixed to a platform and the passive arm comprises a fastening mechanism structured to be attached to a tibia of the patient's leg. The actuatable section is structured to be placed on a side of said patient's leg fixed to the platform and the actuatable section comprises a fastening mechanism structured to be attached to a fibula of the patient's leg.