Innovative Force-PRO device to measure force and implant position in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

© 2019, Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the appropriate treatment for hip pain, dislocation, and dysfunction. THA refers to surgery to replace a hip implant, which is an effective way to recover normal hip function. The design of an implant imitates hip functions and allows bone growth in the implant area. However, it should be noted that the implant can dislocate after surgery. The main factor that should be considered during surgery is the correct position of the implant component. The acetabular cup of the hip implant should be positioned at 15 ± 10 ∘ anteversion and 40 ± 10 ∘ inclination. The evaluation of the implant inclination and anteversion during the operation decrease the risk of the implant dislocation after surgery. Developing a new innovative Force-PRO device can aid the doctor in evaluating the force on the surface of the acetabular liner and the angle of the acetabular liner during the hip implant operation. This device consists of two main sensors—force sensors and inertial measurement unit sensors. Furthermore, the 3D printings of an implant’s parts should be specifically designed to integrate with these sensors. To develop the graphical user interface application, C# should be the programming language of use. The graphical user interface application communicates between the device and user via a wireless communication system. CT-based imaging and force gauge measurement are the methods to evaluate the efficiency of this device. For this purpose, the sterile method is considered.