Robotic Soft Tissue Balancing for Precise Articular Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft tissue evaluations in orthopedic surgery lack precision and accuracy, leading to potential joint instability due to unbalanced soft tissue tension during joint repair or replacement surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgery system utilizing a robotic arm with sensors and force/torque measurement to perform precise soft tissue balancing assessments, including pre-operative planning and intraoperative adjustments, to determine optimal implant sizes and locations, ensuring balanced soft tissue tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual soft tissue evaluation is used, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the precision and accuracy of soft tissue balancing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation with a robotic arm system equipped with force/torque sensors. The robotic arm applies controlled forces to the bone and measures the resulting movements, substituting the surgeon's manual assessment with an automated mechanical system that provides objective, quantifiable data on soft tissue balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the patient's anatomy. It translates surgical intentions into precise, controlled forces applied to the bone, and translates tissue responses into measurable data. This intermediary system eliminates the direct manual manipulation limitations while maintaining surgical control.
2Reliability
If manual soft tissue assessment is performed, then the procedure is faster to set up, but the accuracy of joint stability evaluation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring forces and movements during soft tissue evaluation. The force/torque sensors provide immediate data on tissue response to applied forces, allowing the system to adjust and refine measurements dynamically, ensuring reliable joint stability assessment while maintaining efficient workflow through automated data collection.
3Measurement precision
If qualitative assessment by hand is used, then the equipment required is minimal, but the precision of soft tissue tension measurement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces qualitative manual assessment with quantitative mechanical measurement using force/torque sensors integrated into the robotic arm. These sensors precisely measure the forces applied to and responses from soft tissues, converting subjective manual evaluation into objective, numerical data that accurately reflects soft tissue tension and balance.
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
Enhances the precision and accuracy of soft tissue balancing, reducing the risk of joint instability by providing real-time feedback and enabling precise surgical planning and execution.
Implementation Method 1
A robotic arm may be used to apply a force to the bone to perform the soft tissue balancing assessment
Implementation Method 2
force/torque measurement to perform precise soft tissue balancing assessments
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may be used to perform robot-aided surgery. A system may include a robotic controller to monitor a position and orientation of an end effector coupled to an end of a robotic arm. The robotic controller may apply a force to a bone using the end effector, such as via a soft tissue balancing component. The robotic controller may determine soft tissue balance using information from a tracking system, such as a position of a first tracker affixed to the bone. The soft tissue balance may be output, such as to a display device.