Motion and orientation sensing module or device for positioning of implants

Abstract

At least one embodiment is directed to a tracking system for the muscular-skeletal system. The tracking system can identify position and orientation. The tracking system can be attached to a device or integrated into a device. In one embodiment, the tracking system couples to a handheld tool. The handheld tool with the tracking system and one or more sensors can be used to generate tracking data of the tool location and trajectory while measuring parameters of the muscular-skeletal system at an identified location. The tracking system can be used in conjunction with a second tool to guide the second tool to the identified location of the first tool. The tracking system can guide the second tool along the same trajectory as the first tool. For example, the second tool can be used to install a prosthetic component at a predetermined location and a predetermined orientation. The tracking system can track hand movements of a surgeon holding the handheld tool within 1 millimeter over a path less than 5 meters.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates in general to medical and surgical procedures and more particularly to guiding medical devices to precise locations on or within a patient's body.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Precisely positioning inserts, implants, or other medical devices, prostheses, prosthetic components, or topical application of medicines or anesthetics in or on patients' bodies depends on accurately locating structural features or anomalous structures on or within a patient's body. Continual progress has been made in the advancement and use of imaging equipment to guide the positioning of inserts, implants, or other medical devices, within patients' bodies. Noninvasive methods for locating internal structures of the body include ultrasound, X-rays, CT, and MRI equipment to locate anatomical features and anomalous structures within patients' bodies. Surgeons may use this data to create a pre-operative template to guide actions during the surgery.[0003]The u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a system that helps medical professionals accurately position medical devices or implants in a patient's body. The system uses motion and orientation sensing technology to track the position and orientation of the medical device or implant during surgery or other medical procedures. This technology can be used in conjunction with pre-operative images and trial devices to guide the placement and function of the medical device or prosthetic component. The system can also help predict the outcome of the procedure, such as the functional efficacy and patient comfort, and can aid in the selection of the most suitable prosthetic components for the patient. The invention can be used in a variety of medical procedures and can help improve the precision and accuracy of the placement of medical devices or implants in the body.

Problems solved by technology

Much of this requires large and expensive equipment.

Even with templating, trialing, and advanced prosthetic components, outcomes including functional efficacy, patient comfort, and longevity of the prosthesis may not always be highly predictable, especially if procedures are performed by physicians and surgeons with different levels of skill, experience, and frequency of repeating an individual procedure.

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