Robotic Joint Testing System for Objective Ligament Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual tests for diagnosing knee ligament injuries, such as the Lachman, Dial, and Varus-Valgus tests, are subjective and lack precision due to clinician variability, leading to inconsistent and potentially inaccurate diagnoses, especially when assessing ligament compliance and joint play.
Innovation Solution
A robotic joint testing system that gathers load-deformation data using sensors to generate a load-deformation curve function, allowing for the quantification of biomechanical characteristics and comparison with preset data to identify joint conditions, thereby reducing reliance on subjective clinical evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tests are used to diagnose knee ligament injuries, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the diagnosis precision and reliability are reduced due to clinician subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing by clinicians with an automated robotic testing system. The robotic system applies controlled loads to the knee joint and measures deformation objectively, eliminating clinician subjectivity while maintaining efficient testing. The system uses motors, sensors, and computer control to automate the entire testing process, providing reproducible quantitative measurements of ligament integrity.
2Measurement precision
If robotic testing systems are implemented, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic testing system is designed to perform multiple joint assessments using a single integrated platform. It can evaluate different ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) and various joint parameters (translation, rotation, stiffness) through programmed test protocols, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer control system as an intermediary between the robotic actuators and sensors, and the analysis software. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by coordinating motor control, data acquisition from multiple sensors, and automated interpretation of results, making the complex system user-friendly and manageable.
3Ease of operation
If manual testing is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and reproducibility of results deteriorate due to clinician variability
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic testing system performs self-calibration and automated quality control checks to ensure consistent, reproducible results. The system automatically applies standardized loading protocols, captures sensor data, and processes results without requiring clinician interpretation, eliminating variability between different operators while maintaining ease of use through automated workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining load-deformation data for a joint, the load-deformation data being gathered via joint testing implemented by robotic test equipment, the robotic test equipment being configured for movement of the joint and comprising sensors to gather the load-deformation data during the movement. A load-deformation curve function for the load-deformation data is generated, the load-deformation curve function defining a curve fitted to the load-deformation data. A feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function is quantified. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is identified based on the quantified feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function.