Smart Orthopedic Screws for Real-Time Bone Alignment and Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic surgical procedures lack precise quantitative measurement data, relying heavily on subjective surgeon skills, which can lead to variations in patient outcomes due to individual anatomical differences, and there is a need for real-time feedback and monitoring of musculoskeletal system alignment, load, and motion during and after surgery.
Innovation Solution
The development of a kinetic orthopedic measurement system that includes smart screws and sensors implanted in bones or attached to the skin, providing real-time quantitative data on alignment, load, and motion, using wireless communication to transmit data for feedback and monitoring, and incorporating sensors for long-term post-operative assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional orthopedic surgical procedures are used, then the procedure can be performed with standard tools, but precise quantitative measurement data is lacking and relies on subjective surgeon skills
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate functional modules: inertial measurement units (IMUs) for motion tracking, force sensors for load measurement, alignment sensors for positional data, and wireless communication modules. Each module independently performs its measurement function and transmits data to a central processing system, enabling precise quantitative measurements without requiring a single complex integrated device
Solution Approach 2:
The orthopedic surgical system integrates multiple measurement capabilities into a unified platform that can simultaneously perform alignment measurement, motion tracking, load monitoring, and real-time data transmission. This multi-functional system replaces multiple separate measurement tools while providing comprehensive quantitative data for surgical decision-making
2Reliability
If real-time feedback and monitoring systems are implemented, then surgical accuracy and post-operative monitoring are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects measurement data from sensors during surgery and post-operative recovery, transmits this data wirelessly in real-time, and provides immediate feedback to the surgical team and healthcare providers. This feedback loop enables real-time surgical adjustments and continuous monitoring of healing progress, significantly improving reliability without requiring permanent complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication module serves as an intermediary between the implanted sensors and external monitoring systems. This intermediary component receives measurement data from the sensors, transmits it wirelessly to external devices, and enables real-time monitoring without requiring direct physical connections or complex wired infrastructure between the implant and monitoring systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If quantitative measurement data is collected and used, then personalized treatment plans can be developed, but the basic procedure remains standardized to meet general needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static standardized surgical procedures to dynamic personalized treatment protocols. Measurement data collected during surgery and post-operative recovery continuously informs treatment adjustments, allowing the surgical approach and rehabilitation protocol to adapt in real-time to each patient's specific anatomical variations and healing progress, thereby improving adaptability without significantly impacting surgical efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic system configured for pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative assessment of a musculoskeletal system. The orthopedic system comprises a first screw, a second screw, a first device, a second device, and a computer. The first screw and the second screw are respectively coupled in a first bone and a second bone of a musculoskeletal system. The first and second screws each include electronic circuitry, one or more sensors, and an IMU. In one embodiment, a first device and a second device can be respectively located in proximity to the first and second screws. The first and second devices respectively transmit a radio frequency signal to the first and second screws. The first and second screws harvest a predetermined amount of energy and then are enabled to perform at least one task and an orderly shutdown. The computer receives measurement data from the first and second screws.