Shoulder Arthroplasty Trial Sensors for Quantitative Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoulder arthroplasty procedures lack quantitative measures for determining joint stability and range of motion, relying on subjective and un-quantified methods that can lead to inconsistent surgical outcomes, especially for less experienced surgeons.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensor-equipped trial prosthetic devices that provide quantitative measurements of joint tension, range of motion, and stability through sensors such as force, displacement, and proximity sensors, allowing for precise adjustment and selection of prosthetic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-equipped trial prosthetic devices are used to provide quantitative measurements, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated within the trial prosthetic device components (humeral trial device or glenoid trial device), nesting the sensing functionality inside the existing prosthetic structure. This eliminates the need for separate external sensing equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the prosthetic trial device with sensor functionality into a single integrated unit. The sensor is coupled to the articulation component of the trial prosthetic device, merging the mechanical prosthetic function with the electronic sensing function, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring separate complex systems.
2Reliability
If quantitative measurements are implemented to provide definitive standards of care, then surgical outcome consistency is improved, but procedural time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trial prosthetic device with integrated sensor performs measurements automatically during normal surgical procedures. The sensor continuously monitors and provides quantitative data without requiring separate measurement steps or additional surgical actions, thereby improving outcome consistency without significantly increasing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time quantitative feedback on joint tension and stability during the trial assembly procedure. This feedback allows surgeons to make immediate adjustments based on objective data, improving surgical outcome consistency while integrating seamlessly into the existing procedural workflow.
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
Enables surgeons to achieve consistent and successful shoulder arthroplasty outcomes by providing definitive standards of care, improving patient quality of life and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor connected to the articulation component and configured to monitor a condition of the second implant and produce a sensor signal as a function of the condition that is indicative of stability of the shoulder
Implementation Method 2
the articulation component is translatable relative to the body and the sensor is configured to produce the sensor signal as a function of a position of the articulation component relative to the body
Data Source
AI summary
An arthroplasty trial assembly for a human shoulder can include a first implant securable to a first bone and a second implant securable to a second bone. The second implant can include a body, a stem, an articulation component, and a sensor. The stem can extend from the body, and the stem can be insertable into the second bone. The articulation component can be coupled to the body opposite the stem, and the articulation component can be articulable with the first implant. The sensor can be connected to the articulation component and can be configured to monitor a condition of the second implant and can produce a sensor signal as a function of the condition that is indicative of stability of the shoulder.