Vibratory Acetabular Cup Insertion with Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Total hip replacement surgeries face challenges due to inconsistent acetabular cup placement, leading to hip instability, polyethylene wear, osteolysis, impingement, and the need for revision surgery, primarily caused by unpredictable torques and uncontrolled forces during the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing vibratory energy to insert and position acetabular cups, employing pneumatic and electric motor implementations, and incorporating real-time sensing to standardize the installation process, allowing for precise alignment and orientation without manual impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual impacting tools (hammer/mallet) are used to install acetabular component, then installation can be completed, but the location and orientation become unpredictable and may differ from intended optimum position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical impacting system (hammer/mallet) with an automated impacting tool that incorporates computer-assisted navigation. The automated tool delivers controlled impacts while sensors and navigation systems monitor and adjust the acetabular component's position in real-time, eliminating the unpredictability of manual impacting while maintaining the mechanical installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors mounted on the impacting tool continuously monitor the position and orientation of the acetabular component during installation. This real-time feedback is fed to the computer-assisted navigation system, which automatically adjusts subsequent impacts to correct any deviations from the intended position, ensuring precise final placement.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated computer-assisted navigation tools are used to determine correct orientation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the actual impacting force and location remain uncontrolled variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the computer-assisted navigation system with the impacting tool itself, integrating sensors, actuators, and control electronics directly into the impacting device. This integration allows the navigation system to directly control the impacting mechanism, eliminating the disconnect between planning precision and execution control while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using sensors to continuously monitor position, orientation, and impact forces, then dynamically adjusting impacting parameters (force magnitude, impact location, impact frequency) based on real-time feedback. This allows the system to adapt to varying bone density and anatomical conditions while maintaining precise control over the final component placement.
3Reliability
If large impacting forces are applied by mallet striking rod, then acetabular component is secured in place, but fine tuning becomes difficult and risk of fracturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic, controlled impacts delivered by the automated impacting tool rather than large single-force strikes. The computer-assisted system spaces impacts appropriately and monitors bone response between impacts, allowing fine-tuning of component position while gradually securing fixation. This periodic action reduces peak stresses on the bone and allows continuous adjustment to achieve optimal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback monitoring during the impacting process, where sensors detect bone density, component position, and impact forces. This feedback allows the automated tool to adjust impact parameters dynamically, reducing force when bone is fragile or position is near-optimal, and increasing force when additional stabilization is needed, thereby minimizing fracture risk while ensuring reliable fixation.
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
This approach reduces the risk of fracturing the acetabulum, enables accurate and efficient prosthesis placement, and improves surgical outcomes by standardizing the installation process, making it feasible for less experienced surgeons to achieve results comparable to experienced ones.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect forces at an interface between the prosthesis and the bone
Implementation Method 2
utilizing vibratory energy to insert and position acetabular cups
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.