Sensor-Based Distractor for Knee Arthroplasty Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are imprecise in achieving joint stability, leading to instability issues due to uncertainties in soft-tissue balancing and bone re-cutting, which can result in aseptic loosening and the need for revision surgery.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising an alignment guide, distractor with sensors, and trial members to accurately measure and report force, orientation, pressure mapping, and distance between bone members, aiding in precise positioning and verification of joint components during TKA, utilizing a computer-assisted orthopedic surgery system for optimal alignment and soft-tissue tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional soft-tissue balancing techniques are used, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the positioning precision of the prosthesis is poor leading to joint instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with sensor-based measurement systems that use force sensors, pressure sensors, and strain gauges to objectively measure soft-tissue forces and prosthesis positioning, substituting subjective mechanical balancing with precise electronic measurement and feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through sensors that measure forces on the prosthesis and provide data to the surgeon during surgery, allowing continuous adjustment of component positioning based on actual measured forces rather than pre-planned alignment alone
2Reliability
If imprecise soft-tissue balancing is performed, then the surgical time is reduced, but joint instability occurs requiring revision surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and planning using sensors to assess soft-tissue forces and determine optimal prosthesis positioning before final implantation, allowing the surgeon to pre-determine the correct alignment and component size based on objective data
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical balancing techniques are replaced with electronic sensor systems that objectively measure soft-tissue forces, eliminating the imprecision of manual balancing while providing quantifiable data to ensure joint stability
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then the equipment required is minimal, but the alignment precision of bone cuts and implant positioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical alignment guides with sophisticated sensor systems including force sensors, pressure sensors, and strain gauges that provide precise electronic measurement of alignment and soft-tissue forces, substituting mechanical estimation with electronic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the surgeon and the bone/implant, providing objective measurement data that mediates the alignment process and enables more precise positioning than direct mechanical methods alone
Data Source
AI summary
A kit includes a distractor, a plurality of trial elements, and at least one sensor. The distractor is configured to separate a first bone from a second bone by adjusting the distance between a first member and a second member, and is configured to receive at least one sensor in the first portion. Each of the trial elements corresponds to one of a plurality of surgical implants, is configured to be temporarily coupled to the second bone so as to evaluate suitability of the corresponding one of the plurality of surgical implants for implantation, and is configured to receive at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to be received in the distractor or one of the trial elements, and is configured to record a magnitude of a force, a direction of application of a force, a pressure mapping, or a location of application of a force.