Ultrasonic Measurement System for Prosthetic Knee Joint Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic joint replacement procedures face challenges in accurately detecting improper fitting of prosthetic components, reliability issues, abnormal wear, and misalignment, leading to increased costs and hospital time, and affecting the quality of life for patients.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic measurement system employing a propagation tuned oscillator (PTO) or Phase Locked Loop (PLL) with zero-crossing or edge-detect receivers to measure physical parameters such as force, pressure, and load in real-time, ensuring accurate fitting and alignment of prosthetic components during orthopedic surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional orthopedic joint replacement procedures are used without advanced measurement systems, then the procedures are simpler and less costly, but the detection of improper fitting, misalignment, and abnormal wear is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools with ultrasonic measurement technology. The ultrasonic transducers emit sound waves that propagate through the prosthetic components and surrounding tissue, allowing non-contact, high-precision measurement of alignment, positioning, and dimensional parameters without complex mechanical contact systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer measurement information from the prosthetic components to the detection system. The ultrasonic transducers act as intermediaries that convert mechanical vibrations and acoustic signals into electrical signals for processing, enabling indirect but highly accurate measurement of critical parameters
2Reliability
If real-time measurement systems are implemented during surgery, then the accuracy of prosthetic fitting and alignment is improved, but the surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time measurement during the surgical procedure. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are positioned to simultaneously monitor various parameters of the prosthetic components throughout the implantation process, allowing surgeons to make immediate adjustments without interrupting the surgical flow or requiring repeated measurement cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system operates in periodic cycles, with ultrasonic pulses transmitted at regular intervals to continuously update measurements of prosthetic positioning and alignment. This periodic measurement approach provides real-time feedback while maintaining efficient surgical pacing
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and measurement devices are used to detect all critical parameters, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasonic transducers that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same transducers can measure alignment, positioning, dimensional parameters, and material properties by analyzing different characteristics of the ultrasonic waves (time of flight, amplitude, frequency shifts), eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement capabilities into a single integrated ultrasonic measurement system. By merging the functions of alignment detection, positioning measurement, and material characterization into one unified system using ultrasonic technology, the patent reduces the overall number of separate devices and sensors required
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
The system enables precise measurement of physical parameters, reducing costly revisions, improving the longevity of prosthetic joints, and providing real-time data for optimal joint function and alignment, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing surgical complications.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic measurement system employing a propagation tuned oscillator (PTO) or Phase Locked Loop (PLL) with zero-crossing or edge-detect receivers to measure physical parameters such as force, pressure, and load in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic implant having an energy-harvesting device is disclosed. In one embodiment the orthopedic implant is a prosthetic component of a joint of the muscular-skeletal system. The orthopedic implant can include electronic circuitry, a power source, and one or more sensors for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system or a parameter of in proximity to the implant. The energy-harvesting device generates charge for powering the electronic circuitry using movement of the muscular-skeletal system. The energy-harvesting device comprises a piezo-electric element that converts changes in force into charge that is stored onto a storage device. The energy-harvesting device is coupled to the patella of a knee joint. Movement of the knee joint changes a force applied to the energy-harvesting device thereby generating charge that is coupled to circuitry in a prosthetic component of the knee joint.