System and method for tracking resection planes
Inventors
MITRA, Riddhit • Jaramaz, Branislav • Dumpe, Samuel • Nikou, Constantinos
Assignees
Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics AG • Smith and Nephew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Inc
Publication Number
US-12262896-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-01
Expiration Date
2039-05-20
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Abstract
A system for tracking resection planes during a surgical procedure includes a cutting block and a position tracker. The cutting block is configured to be mounted on an anterior surface of a bone during the surgical procedure. The cutting block comprises at least one slot configured to position a resection tool during the surgical procedure. The position tracker is configured to be directly attached to the cutting block after the cutting block is mounted on the anterior surface to allow positional tracking of the cutting block by a tracking device during the surgical procedure.
Core Innovation
The invention concerns a system for tracking resection planes during surgical procedures such as joint replacements. The system includes a cutting block configured to be mounted on the anterior surface of a bone, with at least one slot for positioning a resection tool and a receiving hole for a guide rod. This cutting block can be used with an extramedullary alignment system comprising a guide rod, which allows the cutting block to be aligned with the bone's axis and translated along the guide rod. A pivoting member connects portions of the cutting block, facilitating rotation of the cut plane defined by the slot along the sagittal plane.
A position tracker is provided which is configured to directly attach to the cutting block after it has been mounted on the bone. This enables positional tracking of the cutting block by an external tracking device during surgery. The tracker includes a frame with mounting points and position markers, which can be reflective, enabling the tracking device to monitor the precise location and orientation of the cutting block. The cut slot can be moved after mounting to the bone to adjust the slope of the resection, and angle markings are provided to guide this adjustment.
The problem addressed by this invention is that conventional tracker attachments for computer-aided surgery typically involve pinning trackers directly to the patient’s bones, which increases the invasiveness, setup time, and risk of complications such as infection or fracture. By allowing the position tracker to be attached directly to the cutting block, the need for bone pins for tracker attachment is eliminated, streamlining the surgical workflow and reducing additional surgical burdens.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims, each defining a system for tracking resection planes during a surgical procedure with specific inventive features.
Adjustable cutting block with direct-mount position tracker
A system includes a cutting block configured for mounting on the anterior surface of a bone, featuring at least one cut slot to position a resection tool and a receiving hole for a guide rod. The cutting block is connected by a pivoting member along a coronal plane, enabling rotation of the cut plane along the sagittal plane. The cut slot is adjustable after mounting to change its slope. The system includes a position tracker that is configured to couple directly to the cutting block after mounting, allowing real-time positional tracking by a tracking device. The guide rod aligns substantially with the bone axis and allows translation of the cutting block.
System with processor-based determination of resection plane using tracked markers and probe
A system includes an extramedullary alignment system with a guide rod, a cutting block mountable on an anterior bone surface, and a position tracker with a frame and multiple markers. The cut slot in the cutting block is rotatable after mounting to adjust its slope. The position tracker is directly coupled to the cutting block via a receiving hole. A processor receives marker position data from the tracking device, as well as orientation data from a probe plate inserted in the cut slot, and determines the resection plane for the resection tool with respect to the anterior bone surface. The alignment guide rod is substantially aligned with the bone axis.
The inventive features center on a cutting block with post-mount adjustability and the ability to directly mount a position tracker, facilitating real-time tracking of resection planes without the need for direct bone attachment of tracking hardware. Additional features include processor-based plane determination and integrated alignment and tracking functionalities.
Stated Advantages
Eliminates the need to pin tracking attachments directly to the patient's bone, thereby reducing risk of infection and fracture.
Reduces the invasiveness and setup time associated with tracker attachment during surgery.
Provides a streamlined and less cumbersome workflow for attaching trackers during joint replacement surgery.
Enables adjustable resection planes after mounting the cutting block, enhancing intraoperative flexibility and accuracy.
Documented Applications
Use in joint replacement surgeries such as total knee replacement and possibly total hip replacement, as described for tracking and guiding resection planes.
Application in computer-aided orthopedic surgeries where a navigation system is used to determine and track resection planes.
Use during initial tibia resections or similar procedures where tracking of cutting guides and bone resection is required.
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