Virtual Prosthesis Fit Assessment Using 2D Bone Outlines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthopaedic procedures for implanting prosthetic joints face challenges in accurately determining the optimal fit of prosthetic components on resected bone surfaces, often requiring invasive measurements and trial fittings during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for virtually assessing the fit of prostheses on resected bone surfaces using computer software to create two-dimensional outlines of both the bone and prosthesis, allowing for comparison and determination of a suitable fit, which can be applied to individual patients or populations to design customized prostheses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional invasive measurements and trial fittings are used during surgery, then the prosthesis fit can be assessed, but surgical time is extended and measurement accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthesis fit assessment accuracyVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates two-dimensional outlines of the resected bone surface and prosthesis components before the actual implantation surgery. By performing virtual assessments and measurements in advance, the surgical team can determine the optimal prosthesis fit beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial fittings during the operation while maintaining high measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates accurate two-dimensional representations (outlines) of the three-dimensional resected bone surface and prosthesis components. These digital copies allow for precise virtual measurement and comparison without requiring physical trial fittings, thereby reducing surgical time while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If standardized prostheses are used, then manufacturing and implantation are simplified, but the fit to individual patient anatomy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthesis production simplicityVSAvoidanatomical fit accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables customization of prosthesis components to match the specific two-dimensional outline of each patient's resected bone surface. By adapting the prosthesis design to local anatomical variations rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the system achieves precise anatomical fit while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic design modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows modification of prosthesis parameters (dimensions, contours, geometry) based on the patient-specific two-dimensional bone outline. By adjusting these parameters within the design process, customized prostheses can be created that precisely match individual anatomy while still following standardized manufacturing procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9504579B2Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 ZIMMER INC

AI summary

Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses.