Sensing force during partial and total knee replacement surgery
US9351850B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/4687
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.