Sensor-Embedded Orthopedic Trial Implants for In Vivo Kinematic Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic knee replacement systems are designed based on average bone shape and simulated data, lacking in vivo testing, which leads to inaccuracies in predicting periarticular forces and kinematics, resulting in potential implant failures due to erroneous boundary conditions and varying muscle, tendon, and ligamentous abnormalities in individual knees.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors such as pressure sensors, accelerometers, and ultrasonic sensors into orthopedic implants and trials to gather in vivo data on pressure, kinematics, and contact areas, allowing for the optimization of implant designs by identifying preferable designs and reducing wear through improved contact surface distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If orthopedic implants are designed based on average bone shape and simulated data without in vivo testing, then design development is faster and less costly, but the accuracy of predicting periarticular forces and kinematics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting in vivo testing during the trial implant phase before final implantation. Sensors are embedded in trial implants to collect real pressure and kinematic data from actual patients, which is then used to refine the design before permanent implantation, ensuring accurate prediction of periarticular forces while maintaining efficient development through iterative refinement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using embedded sensors in trial implants to continuously monitor and collect real pressure distributions and kinematic data during actual use. This in vivo feedback is fed back to designers to validate and refine CAD models, creating a closed-loop system that improves prediction accuracy while maintaining productivity through targeted iterations
2Productivity
If orthopedic implants are designed using CAD software models with assumed boundary conditions, then design iteration is faster, but the reliability of the design deteriorates due to erroneous boundary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses embedded sensors in trial implants to provide real feedback on actual boundary conditions during in vivo testing. This empirical data replaces erroneous assumed boundary conditions in CAD models, validating and refining the computational models to accurately reflect real physiological conditions while maintaining iterative design capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using in vivo sensor data to update and refine the boundary condition parameters in CAD software models. Real pressure distributions, contact forces, and kinematic parameters measured during trial implantation are used to adjust model parameters, transforming theoretical assumptions into empirically validated parameters that improve design reliability
3Measurement precision
If in vivo testing is conducted with sensor-equipped implants, then the accuracy of kinematic and force data deteriorates due to measurement interference, but the measurement precision of periarticular forces improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating sensors directly into the trial implant structure itself, combining the diagnostic measurement function with the therapeutic implant function. This integration allows simultaneous collection of accurate in vivo data and performance of the implant's primary function, minimizing the impact of added complexity while maximizing measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to orthopedic implants and methods of rapid manufacturing orthopedic implants using in vivo data specific to an orthopedic implant or orthopedic trial. Specifically, the instant disclosure utilizes permanent orthopedic implants and orthopedic trials (collectively, “implants”) outfitted with kinematic sensors to provide feedback regarding the kinematics of the trial or implant to discern which implant is preferable, and thereafter rapid manufacturing the implant.