Sensor-Based Ligament Balancing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ligament balancing devices in orthopaedic surgical procedures, such as total knee replacement, rely on manual mechanical mechanisms that are inefficient in accurately measuring and adjusting joint forces and gap distances, leading to suboptimal rectangular shaped joint gaps and potential need for ligament release.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with movable femoral and tibial paddles equipped with force and distance sensors, actuators, and a user interface that communicates with a computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system to accurately measure and adjust joint forces and gap distances, enabling precise ligament balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manually operated mechanical mechanisms are used to measure joint force and adjust gap distance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and adjustment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement mechanisms with electronic sensors (force sensors and distance sensors) that automatically measure joint force and gap distance. This substitution eliminates the imprecision of manual operation while providing accurate, objective data for ligament balancing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system as an intermediary that processes sensor data, calculates joint forces, and provides real-time feedback to the surgeon. This intermediary system bridges the gap between raw sensor measurements and clinically actionable information, improving measurement precision without requiring the surgeon to directly interpret complex mechanical readings.
2Manufacturing precision
If manually operated mechanical mechanisms are used to adjust gap distance, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the manufacturing precision and gap distance accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where distance sensors continuously monitor gap distance and force sensors monitor joint force, with the computer-assisted system providing real-time feedback to the surgeon. This feedback loop enables precise control of gap distance adjustment while maintaining ease of operation, as the surgeon receives immediate information about the effects of their adjustments without complex mechanical feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronically controlled paddle positioning guided by computer-assisted navigation. This substitution provides precise control over gap distance while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive interfaces and automated guidance systems.
3Productivity
If manual mechanical mechanisms are used for ligament balancing, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and surgical efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system, including force measurement, distance measurement, real-time calculation, and surgical guidance. This multi-functional approach improves surgical efficiency by consolidating multiple measurement and control functions into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate manual devices and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual mechanical measurement and adjustment processes with automated electronic sensing and computer-assisted control. This substitution significantly improves surgical productivity by eliminating manual measurement steps, providing instant data processing, and enabling rapid, precise adjustments without the time required for manual mechanical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a patient includes at least one femoral paddle and a tibial paddle. At least one of the femoral paddle and the tibial paddle is movable away from the other. The apparatus also includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a force applied to the femoral paddle or the tibial paddle. The apparatus may be communicatively coupled to a computer assisted orthopaedic surgery system.