Vibratory Acetabular Cup Installation with Real-Time Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current total hip replacement surgeries face challenges with inconsistent acetabular cup placement due to unpredictable and non-standardized forces used in the installation process, leading to issues like hip instability, polyethylene wear, osteolysis, and the need for revision surgery, as existing methods lack precise control over force and orientation during prosthetic implantation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing vibratory energy and intelligent tools to standardize the installation of acetabular components, including gun-like devices that use pneumatic and electric motors to impart controlled vibratory motions for precise alignment and positioning, and a force sensing system for real-time feedback during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional hammer/mallet impacting tools are used to install acetabular component, then installation can be completed, but the force applied and location of force application are uncontrolled leading to unpredictable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on the position and orientation of the acetabular component during installation. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to monitor and adjust the positioning dynamically, ensuring precise placement while using a relatively simple impacting tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical hammer/mallet impacting system with a hybrid system that integrates electronic sensors and computer guidance. This substitution transforms the uncontrolled mechanical impact into a monitored and adjustable process, improving positioning precision without requiring complete automation of the impacting mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If automated computer-assisted navigation tools are used, then positioning guidance is improved, but the impacting force remains uncontrolled causing deviation from intended position
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the acetabular component's position and orientation during impacting and provides real-time feedback to the surgeon. This allows dynamic adjustment of the impacting force and angle to compensate for deviations, ensuring the final position matches the intended target despite the simplicity of the impacting tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control to the impacting process by allowing real-time adjustment of impacting parameters based on feedback. The system adapts the impacting force and direction during the installation process, transforming a static uncontrolled impact into a dynamic controlled process that maintains positioning reliability.
3Ease of operation
If large impacting forces are applied to adjust prosthesis location, then positioning can be corrected, but fine tuning becomes difficult and risk of bone fracture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of partial action by using small, incremental impacting forces rather than large single forces. The real-time feedback system allows the surgeon to make multiple small adjustments to achieve fine tuning of the prosthesis position, avoiding the need for large corrective forces that could fracture the bone.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic feedback system enables the surgeon to adjust impacting forces in real-time based on the current position and orientation of the prosthesis. This dynamic control allows for gentle fine-tuning adjustments rather than requiring large static forces, reducing the risk of bone damage while maintaining ease of position correction.
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 allows for improved accuracy and reduced risk of complications by enabling precise and standardized installation of prosthetic components, reducing the likelihood of mal-positioning and associated issues like hip instability and wear, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes for both experienced and less experienced surgeons.
Implementation Method 1
communicating a series of pulses to the secured prosthesis producing a vibrating secured prosthesis
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.