Smart Medical Implant Set Screw With Integrated Wireless Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load assemblies and screw assemblies are unable to monitor and maintain a secure connection between a longitudinal rod and a pedicle screw within a patient, as they cannot sense and wirelessly transmit the connection force, making it difficult to ensure appropriate force is maintained over time.
Innovation Solution
A load sensing assembly with integrated sensors and microelectronics, including a strain gauge, is housed within a set screw, which can measure strain and wirelessly transmit data using an antenna, allowing continuous monitoring of the connection force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional load assemblies and screw assemblies are used to connect longitudinal rod and pedicle screw, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but the ability to sense and wirelessly transmit connection force is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (load sensing, wireless transmission, power storage) into a single integrated set screw assembly. The strain gauge, antenna, and power source are all incorporated within the set screw, eliminating the need for separate sensing and transmission components while achieving reliable connection monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The set screw is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening, strain sensing, wireless data transmission, and power storage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while adding monitoring capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and microelectronics are integrated into the set screw for continuous monitoring, then the connection force monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw is divided into functional segments: the threaded body for mechanical fastening, the strain gauge for sensing, the antenna for wireless transmission, and the power source for energy storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately before integration, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the antenna and power source within the set screw body, with the strain gauge embedded in the load-bearing path. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If a port is added to the implant for electronics assembly access, then the ease of operation and sensor integration are improved, but the structural integrity and potential infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port is designed to be sealed and closed immediately after electronics assembly insertion. The pre-designed sealing mechanism ensures that the port remains closed during patient recovery, minimizing infection risk while allowing easy access during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The port serves as an intermediary access point that allows electronics assembly insertion without compromising the structural integrity of the implant. The port is designed with sealing features that prevent fluid penetration, thus reducing infection risk while maintaining ease of operation.
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 continuous monitoring of the connection force between a longitudinal rod and a pedicle screw, ensuring proper placement and detecting potential issues such as loosening or failure, thereby preventing catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
A load sensing assembly with integrated sensors and microelectronics, including a strain gauge, is housed within a set screw, which can measure strain and wirelessly transmit data
Data Source
AI summary
A load sensing assembly for a medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant may include an upper surface, a side surface, a bottom surface, and a cavity housing various sensors and microelectronics. In other embodiments, the medical implant may include a port that is accessible through at least one of the bottom surface, side surface, and the upper surface. The port may be configured to receive an electronics assembly, package, or hermetically sealed enclosure. The electronics package may have a size and shape generally corresponding to the port. In various embodiments, electronic components and sensors may be powered by a local power source. In various embodiments, sensors may be chosen from: accelerometers, gyroscope, strain gauge, pressure sensor, pH sensor, impedance sensor, optical sensor, and/or a temperature sensor. In various embodiments, the medical implant may be chosen from: an interbody spinal implant, a pedicle screw, a connector, and/or a cross-link.