Surgical Upper Computer for Total Knee Arthroplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries rely heavily on surgeon experience and intuition, leading to risks of insufficient or excessive ligament release, causing joint instability and limited movement, as they lack precise measurement of soft tissue tension.
Innovation Solution
A surgical upper computer system that measures and visually exhibits the relationship between forces and gaps between the femur and tibia, allowing surgeons to make informed adjustments during the procedure, using a master machine and accessory to apply controlled pushing forces and measure corresponding gaps and forces at various joint angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional TKA relies on surgeon experience and intuition for ligament release, then the surgical procedure can be completed with simple equipment, but the precision of soft tissue balance measurement is insufficient leading to joint instability or limited movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective surgeon intuition with an automated measurement system that uses force sensors and displacement sensors to objectively measure soft tissue tension and gap changes. The upper computer processes sensor data to calculate quantitative metrics, substituting manual assessment with automated mechanical measurement and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces measurement apparatus as an intermediary between the surgeon and the soft tissue. The apparatus includes force sensors that measure ligament tension, displacement sensors that measure gap changes, and an upper computer that processes this data. This intermediary provides objective quantitative feedback that the surgeon cannot obtain through intuition alone.
2Reliability
If ligaments are released to achieve tension balance in traditional TKA, then joint stability can be improved, but excessive or insufficient release causes harm to soft tissue structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring soft tissue tension and gap changes during the surgical procedure. The upper computer processes sensor data and provides immediate feedback to the surgeon, allowing dynamic adjustment of the prosthesis position and ligament release extent. This closed-loop feedback system prevents both excessive and insufficient release by maintaining tension within the optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors and adjusts critical parameters including force magnitude, displacement amount, and joint angle during surgery. By tracking these parameters in real-time and comparing them against predetermined ranges, the system guides the surgeon to achieve optimal soft tissue balance without exceeding safe limits, thereby preventing tissue damage while ensuring joint stability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken at different joint angles to ensure accurate soft tissue balance, then measurement precision is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of soft tissue tension and gap changes across multiple joint angles without interrupting the surgical flow. The measurement apparatus remains in place and continuously collects data as the joint is moved through its range of motion. The upper computer processes this continuous data stream in real-time, eliminating the need for repeated setup and measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined force and displacement ranges before surgery begins. These predetermined parameters serve as reference thresholds that guide the measurement and adjustment process. By having these criteria established in advance, the surgeon can quickly determine whether measurements are within acceptable ranges without requiring extensive post-measurement analysis, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical upper computer for a total knee arthroplasty, and a total knee arthroplasty system, and in the field of surgical equipment. The surgical upper computer includes a memory storing a first computer program which enables a processor to execute a first operating mode of the surgical upper computer, where the first operating mode includes: exhibiting, by an interactive interface, to a user, first information to be input, the first information including a magnitude range and change interval of a pushing force applied between a femur and a tibia; in response to user input, controlling a butting member and a push plate to apply different pushing forces at a preset joint flexion angle, and acquiring relationship data between the pushing force and a gap; and displaying the relationship data. Accordingly, the force and gap between soft tissues in the total knee arthroplasty can be acquired and displayed.