Orthopaedic Sensor Module for Knee Joint Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic surgical procedures lack effective methods for accurately determining and balancing joint forces during knee replacement surgeries, relying on manual techniques and limited instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic surgical system comprising a sensor module with a tibial paddle and an adaptor, which can be attached to the tibial paddle to facilitate the attachment of a tibial trialing component, allowing for the measurement and display of joint force data between the patient's tibia and femur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual techniques and limited instrumentation are used for joint force balancing, then the surgical procedure is simpler to perform, but the measurement precision and accuracy of joint force determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system is divided into distinct modular components: sensor module, adaptor, and tibial trialing component. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and sterilized. The sensor module contains sensor arrays that are further segmented into multiple sensing elements distributed across the tibial paddle surface, enabling precise localized force measurement while keeping each sensor element simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves multiple functions: it attaches the tibial trialing component to the sensor module, provides alignment features through alignment tabs and apertures, and enables force measurement through the integrated sensor array. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate instruments needed during surgery, balancing measurement capability with system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If sensor arrays are integrated into the tibial paddle, then the measurement precision of joint forces improves, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrays are pre-assembled and calibrated into the tibial paddle during manufacturing before sterilization. The sensor elements are positioned and connected to wiring harnesses in advance, allowing for quality control and calibration to be performed on the complete sensor module before it reaches the surgical environment. This preliminary assembly ensures measurement precision while separating the complex manufacturing process from the surgical procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If an adaptor with alignment features is used to attach the tibial trialing component, then the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor incorporates asymmetric alignment features including alignment tabs of different lengths and shaped alignment apertures that correspond to complementary features on the tibial paddle. This asymmetric design provides unique, unambiguous alignment orientation without requiring complex mechanical constraints or multiple alignment references, achieving precise component positioning with relatively simple structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic surgical system includes a sensor module for determining the joint force of a patient's knee joint and an adaptor for coupling various tibial trialing components to the sensor module. The sensor module includes a tibial paddle to which the adaptor is configured to couple. The adaptor and tibial paddle include structures that control the orientation at which the adaptor is attachable to the tibial paddle. Some tibial trialing components may be positioned over the adaptor in a mobile orientation that facilities rotation of the tibial trialing component relative to the tibial paddle or a fixed orientation that restricts the rotation of the tibial trialing component.