Robotic Knee Testing Apparatus with Motion Tracking Coordinate Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing knee joint instability, particularly due to ligament damage, are plagued by subjectivity and inconsistency, leading to inaccurate measurements of joint play and ligament length, which can result in inappropriate treatment and increased risk of further injury.
Innovation Solution
A robotic knee testing apparatus with a motion tracking system is used to define world and local coordinate systems, allowing for precise measurement of knee joint movements and stabilization, thereby reducing error and improving diagnostic accuracy by objectively quantifying joint laxity and ligament damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tests are used to evaluate knee joint stability, then the testing process is simple and accessible, but the measurement precision and reliability are compromised due to clinician subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with a robotic testing system that uses motors, sensors, and computer control to objectively measure knee joint stability. The robotic apparatus eliminates clinician subjectivity by using automated force application and digital measurement, directly addressing the measurement precision problem while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic intermediary between the clinician and the patient's knee joint. The robot acts as a mediator that applies standardized forces and measurements, removing the direct manual contact that causes variability. This intermediary layer enables precise, repeatable measurements while shielding the clinician from performing repetitive manual tasks.
2Reliability
If robotic testing apparatus is used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic testing system performs self-calibration and self-testing functions, reducing the need for complex manual setup and adjustment by the operator. The system automatically applies test protocols, collects data, and generates reports, enabling a single operator to manage the complex apparatus without requiring multiple technicians or extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for programmable test parameters that can be adjusted through software rather than physical reconfiguration. This enables the complex robotic system to adapt to different clinical scenarios through parameter changes in the control software, maintaining ease of operation while preserving measurement reliability across various testing conditions.
3Measurement precision
If coordinate systems are defined based on anatomical landmarks, then measurement accuracy improves, but the setup time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and recording of anatomical landmarks during the setup phase, storing this information for use during the actual testing. By completing the coordinate system definition beforehand, the system reduces the time required during the measurement phase while maintaining the precision benefits of anatomy-based referencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or model of the patient's anatomical coordinate system that can be reused across multiple tests. Once the coordinate system is established from anatomical landmarks, this digital representation allows for rapid repeated measurements without requiring re-establishment of the full coordinate framework, reducing setup time while preserving measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee examination method includes situating a patient on a patient support adjacent a robotic knee testing apparatus, the apparatus having a motion tracking system. The robotic knee testing apparatus is set up including defining a world coordinate system based on a fixed location of a transmitter of the motion tracking system. The patient is set up including determining one or more local coordinate systems each based on setting up the patient and on one or more robot based points. The robotic knee testing apparatus is operable to manipulate a leg of the patient.