Wearable Motion Limiting Apparatus for Spinal Implant Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating spinal conditions rely heavily on subjective patient feedback and imaging technologies, lacking objective data on patient movement that could provide valuable insights into neurological and musculoskeletal health.
Innovation Solution
A wearable motion limiting apparatus connected to spinal implant-based sensors, which collects implant status data and assesses wearer movements using an inertial measurement unit, transmitting this information to remote electronic devices for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable motion limiting apparatus with sensors is implemented, then objective data on patient movement and implant status is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated wearable apparatus: motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes), implant status sensors (load cells, pressure sensors), wireless communication modules, and power management systems are merged into a single wearable device that simultaneously tracks both patient movement and implant status, reducing the need for multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse assessment tasks: it can monitor dynamic movement patterns during activities, measure static postural alignment, track implant load distribution, assess range of motion, and provide real-time feedback, all through a single integrated system that serves multiple clinical evaluation purposes
2Productivity
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then clinical assessment speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data transmission rather than continuous transmission, where motion data and implant status data are collected continuously but transmitted wirelessly at predetermined time intervals or when specific threshold changes are detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining clinically useful assessment speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where transmitted data is analyzed by clinicians or automated systems, and subsequent transmission parameters are adjusted based on detected patterns, alert levels, or clinical priorities, allowing the system to transmit more frequently when anomalies are detected and less frequently during stable periods
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into spinal implants, then measurement capability is improved, but implant complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into single integrated sensor assemblies within the spinal implant: load cells and pressure sensors are combined to measure both magnitude and distribution of forces, temperature and pH sensors are integrated to monitor infection indicators, and wireless communication capabilities are built-in to transmit all sensor data through a single channel, reducing the number of separate components
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 system provides objective, real-time data on spinal implant status and wearer movements, enabling more informed clinical assessments and potentially improving treatment outcomes by detecting anomalies and fusion status.
Implementation Method 1
The inertial measurement unit may be configured to measure data pertaining to one or more assessed motions of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
The one or more sensors may include a load sensing assembly configured to detect a strain experienced by an associated spinal implant
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for assessing a status of a spinal implant includes a wearable apparatus having an electronics system and one or more spinal implants in communication with the wearable apparatus. The electronics system includes a first short-range receiver, a first short-range transmitter, and an inertial measurement unit. The wearable apparatus is configured to constrain one or more movements of a wearer when worn. The one or more spinal implants include one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of a fusion status of the spinal implant, a second short-range receiver, and a second short-range transmitter. The one or more spinal implants are configured to communicate one or more of the measured characteristics to the wearable apparatus via the second transmitter.