Surgical Orientation Device for Precise Joint Replacement Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement procedures, particularly knee joint replacements, face challenges in accurately aligning and positioning prosthetic components without the complexity and high cost of computer navigation systems, and simple methods like 'eyeballing' are not sufficiently accurate.
Innovation Solution
A surgical orientation device with a portable housing, orthopedic fixtures, and a sensor system, including a multi-axis accelerometer, to monitor and display orientation data for precise alignment of cutting planes relative to the mechanical axis of the joint, and an interactive user interface to guide the user through the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer navigation systems are used to track spatial location and movement of surgical instruments, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex computer navigation systems by using a portable surgical orientation device with accelerometers and gyroscopes that directly measure orientation without requiring external tracking infrastructure. This isolation of the core measurement capability achieves positioning accuracy while eliminating system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical tracking systems with electronic sensor-based measurement. Instead of using external cameras and mechanical trackers to monitor instrument position, the system uses accelerometers and gyroscopes embedded in the surgical instrument to directly sense orientation, substituting a simpler electronic measurement approach for a complex mechanical one.
2Manufacturing precision
If computer navigation systems with three dimensional imaging are used, then alignment precision is improved, but cost and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical orientation device is self-contained with integrated sensors, processor, and display that automatically perform alignment measurements and provide real-time feedback without requiring external imaging equipment or complex training. The device serves itself by using its own embedded sensors to measure orientation and communicate alignment status, eliminating the need for operator expertise in complex navigation systems.
3Device complexity
If simple methods like eyeballing alignment are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual system (eyeballing) with electronic sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) that objectively measure orientation. This substitution provides precise, quantifiable alignment data without requiring the cognitive processing and subjectivity of visual estimation, thereby achieving both simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical orientation device provides real-time feedback to the surgeon through a display showing measured orientation angles and alignment status. This continuous feedback loop enables the surgeon to adjust the instrument position based on objective data, achieving precision without complexity by using simple visual feedback rather than complex computer-generated guidance.
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 accurate and cost-effective positioning of prosthetic components by providing real-time orientation data and interactive guidance, reducing the need for complex navigation systems and enhancing procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises a multi-axis accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, to distract a joint, or to otherwise assist in an orthopedic procedure or procedures.