Surgical Apparatus Reducing Prosthetic Alignment Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic surgical procedures for joint replacement lack precision in adapting to individual patient variations, relying heavily on the surgeon's skill to align and fit prosthetic components correctly, which can lead to inconsistent outcomes due to variations in patient anatomy and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic measurement system comprising a distractor, module, and computer that generates quantitative measurement data in real-time, using sensors and electronic circuitry to measure distraction distance, medial-lateral tilt, and load magnitude, providing visual and haptic feedback to support optimal installation of prosthetic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional standardized surgical tools and procedures are used, then the procedure can meet general needs of wide population, but significant variation occurs from patient to patient due to individual anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical apparatus incorporates real-time measurement capabilities that provide feedback to the surgeon during the procedure. Sensors and measurement devices monitor alignment parameters, distraction distances, and component positioning, allowing the surgeon to adjust the procedure based on actual patient anatomy rather than relying solely on pre-planned standardized approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment tools with electronic and optical measurement systems. Instead of relying on mechanical guides and visual estimation, the system uses sensors, cameras, and computer processing to objectively measure and guide alignment, providing more precise adaptation to individual patient variations.
2Reliability
If the procedure relies on surgeon skill to adapt and fit replacement joint, then individual variations can be corrected, but outcomes remain inconsistent due to human factor variations
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical apparatus performs self-measurement and self-assessment functions. The system automatically measures alignment parameters, calculates optimal positioning, and provides guidance without requiring extensive manual measurement and calculation by the surgeon, reducing variability due to human skill differences.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time measurement and feedback systems provide objective data to guide the surgeon, reducing reliance on subjective skill and experience. The system continuously monitors parameters and provides corrective guidance, ensuring more consistent outcomes across different surgeons and procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time measurement systems are implemented, then alignment precision and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and feedback system is divided into separate modular components including distraction devices, measurement sensors, data processing units, and display systems. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be implemented in manageable parts that can be integrated into the existing surgical workflow without overwhelming complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus is configured to support at least one bone cut for installation of a prosthetic component. The installed prosthetic component will have reduced alignment error. The surgical apparatus is configured to distract a first compartment to a first predetermined load value while allowing a moving support structure to pivot freely. A distraction lock mechanism is then engaged to prevent movement of a distraction mechanism that raises or lowers the moving support structure relative to a fixed support structure. The moving support structure has M-L tilt angle that is measured. A M-L tilt mechanism is engaged to forcibly equalize the first and second compartments. Engaging the M-L tilt mechanism prevents the moving support structure from freely pivoting. The at least one bone cut relates to the first and second compartments equalized and the M-L tilt angle.