Abstract: One or more disposable devices suitable for use in a surgical field of an operating room are disclosed. One device comprises a sensor (101) communicatively coupled to the wand (102) to register points of interest on a first or second bone of the muscular-skeletal system and transmits location data related to the points of interest to the sensor (101) to assess orthopedic alignment with the points of interest. A display (150) having a GUI (152) are coupled to the devices for providing device and surgical information in real-time. A communication device (104) includes display (150) and a digital signal processor (154). A transducer (142) receives vocal commands (140) for generating an action (146) that produces an operative change in the devices or display (150). The DSP (154) includes voice recognition software (144) for identifying words or phrases to produce an action (146) that are received by the transducer (142).

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a sensor for measuring a parameter. A signal path of the system comprises an amplifier (612), a sensor element, and an amplifier (620). The sensor element comprises a transducer (4), a waveguide (5), and a transducer (30). A parameter such as force or pressure applied to the sensor element can change the length of waveguide (5). A pulsed energy wave is emitted by the transducer (4) into the waveguide (5) at a first location. The transducer (30) is responsive pulsed energy waves at a second location of the waveguide (5). The transit time of each pulsed energy wave is measured. The transit time corresponds to the pressure or force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium (702) is disclosed. The measurement system comprises two different closed-loop feedback paths. The first path includes a transducer driver (726), a transducer (704), a propagation structure (702), a transducer (706), and a zero-crossing receiver (740). The series and parallel resonance of the transducer (704) does not overlap the series and parallel resonance of the transducer (706). A second path includes a transducer driver (1126), a transducer (1104), a propagation medium (1102), a reflecting surface (1106), and an edge-detect receiver (1140). Each positive closed-loop path maintains the emission, propagation, and detection of energy waves in the propagation medium (702, 1102). In either path, a propagation tuned oscillator maintains positive closed-loop feedback of the system that sustains detection, emission, and propagation of energy waves or pulses in a medium.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.

Abstract: A sensing assemblage (1) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium is disclosed to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a transducer (2) and a waveguide (3). The transducer (2) is coupled to the waveguide (3) at a first location. A second transducer (11) can be coupled to the waveguide (3) at a second location. An interface material that is transmissive to acoustic energy waves can be placed between transducers (402, 404) and a waveguide (414) to improve transfer. The interface material (408, 410) can affix the transducers (402, 404) to the waveguide (414). Alternatively, a reflecting feature (5) can be placed at a second location of the waveguide (3) to reflect acoustic waves back to the transducer (2) where transducer (2) emits energy waves into the medium and detects propagated energy waves.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a sensing module (200) and an insert dock (202). The sensing module (200) includes a load sensing platform (121), an accelerometer (122), and sensing assemblies (123). In one embodiment, a force or load applied by the muscular-skeletal system is measured. The force or load is applied to the sensing assembly (123). The accelerometer (122) generates motion data. The motion data includes acceleration data. The force or load measured by sensing assembly (123) in combination with the motion data captured by the accelerometer (122) is used to calculate a total force or load. A second accelerometer can be used to provide reference position information. The sensing assemblies (123) comprise a transducer (304), an elastic or compressible propagation structure (305), and a second transducer (314).

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). An interconnect stack within the sensing module (1700) couples at least one circuit board (1612 and 1616) to one or more sensing assemblages (1802). The interconnect stack includes at least one flexible interconnect (1506) that couples to the circuit board (1612 and 1616). The flexible interconnect (1506) can be in a path for conducting an energy wave through the sensing assemblage (1802).

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having a contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensors (303), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). The electronic circuitry (307) operatively couples to the one or more sensors (303) to measure the parameter. The communication circuitry (320) couples to the electronic circuitry (307) to wirelessly transmit measurement data. The communication circuitry (320) comprises a data packetizer (422), a cyclic redundancy check circuit (413), a transmitter (416), a matching network (414), and an antenna (412).

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a sensor for measuring a parameter. A signal path of the system comprises an amplifier (612), a sensor element, and an amplifier (620). The sensor element comprises a transducer (4) at a first location of a waveguide (5), and a reflective surface (30) at a second location of the waveguide (5). A parameter such as force or pressure applied to the sensor element can change the length of waveguide (5). A pulsed energy wave is emitted by the transducer (4) into the waveguide (5) at the first location. The transducer (4) is responsive to pulsed energy waves reflected from reflective surface (30) to the second location. The transit time of each pulsed energy wave is measured. The transit time corresponds to the pressure or force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The at least one circuit board (1612 and 1616) includes the antenna (2302). The antenna (2302) is formed as one or more loops around a periphery of the circuit board. The antenna (2302) allows short-range transmission of the measured parameter data to a receiver placed in proximity to the muscular-skeletal system. Alternatively, the antenna can be formed in the insert dock (202).

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a sensor for measuring a skeletal system. A signal path of the system comprises an amplifier (612), a sensor element, and an amplifier (620). The sensor element comprises a transducer (4), a waveguide (5), and a reflecting surface (30). An external condition is applied to the sensor element. For example, the sensor element is placed in an artificial orthopedic joint to measure loading of the joint. Pulsed energy waves are emitted by the transducer (4) into the waveguide (5) and the reflected back to be received by the transducer (4). The transit time of each pulsed energy wave corresponds to the external condition applied to the sensor. The transducer (4) outputs a signal corresponding to each pulsed energy wave. A detection circuit edge detects the signal and outputs a pulse to the transducer (4) to generate a new pulse energy wave.

Abstract: A load sensing platform (121) is disclosed for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium that measures a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The load sensing platform (121) comprises a sensing assemblage (1), substrates (702, 704, and 706), springs (315), spring posts (708), and spring retainers (710). The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a stack of a transducer (5), waveguide (3), and transducer (6). A parameter is applied to the contact surfaces (8) of the load sensing platform (121). The sensing assemblage (1) measures changes in dimension due to the parameter. Position of the applied parameter can be measured by using more than one sensing assemblage (1). The springs (315) couple to the substrates (702, 704) providing mechanical support and to prevent cantilevering. The spring posts (708) and spring retainers (710) maintain the springs (315) at predetermined locations in the load sensing platform (121).

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages, electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The sensing assemblages comprise a load disc (2004) and a piezo-resistive sensor (2002) to measure the parameter. An elastic support structure or springs (1108) is coupled between the top plate (1502) and the bottom plate (1504) to prevent cantilevering of a surface.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensors (303), electronic circuitry (307), a capacitor (1410), and communication circuitry (320). The capacitor (1410) powers the sensing module during a measurement process. An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) increases power efficiency while reducing a form factor of the sensing module (200). The ASIC comprises power management circuitry (1412) and operational circuitry (1414).

Abstract: A dual-mode closed-loop measurement system (100) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium (122) is disclosed. A first device comprises an inductor drive circuit (102), an inductor (104), a transducer (106), and a filter (110). A second circuit comprises an inductor (114) and a transducer (116). A parameter to be measured is applied to the medium (122). The medium (122) is coupled between the first device and the second device. The first device initiates the transmit inductor (104) to query via inductive coupling to a receive inductor (114) on the second device via a first path. The inductor (114) triggers a transducer (116) on the second device to emit an energy wave that is propagated in the medium (122) and detected by the first device. The transit time of energy waves is affected by the parameter by known relationship.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a sensor for measuring a skeletal system. A signal path of the system comprises an amplifier (612), a sensor element, and an amplifier (620). The sensor element comprises a transducer (4), a waveguide (5), and a transducer (30). An external condition is applied to the sensor element. For example, the sensor element is placed in an artificial orthopedic joint to measure loading of the joint. Pulsed energy waves are emitted by the transducer (4) into the waveguide (5). The transducer (30) receives each pulsed energy wave after it propagates through the waveguide (5). The transit time of each pulsed energy wave corresponds to the external condition applied to the sensor. The transducer (30) outputs a signal corresponding to each pulsed energy wave. A detection circuit edge detects the signal and outputs a pulse to the transducer (4) to generate a new pulse energy wave.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) is included in a final insert for taking parameter measurements post-operatively. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing insert device (100) is placed between a final femoral prosthetic component and a final tibial prosthetic component. Measurements are taken at more than one position of the range of motion. The load, balance, and applied location of the parameter can be determined by measurements from sensing module (200).

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock 202 and a sensing module 200. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensors (303), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). The electronic circuitry (307) operatively couples to the one or more sensors (303) to measure the parameter. The communication circuitry (320) couples to the electronic circuitry (307) to wirelessly transmit measurement data. The sensing module (200) wirelessly sends one or more data packets where each data packet comprises sensor data and a priority level. The data packet can further include a cyclic redundancy check.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises two different closed-loop feedback paths. The first path includes a driver circuit (628), a transducer (604), a propagation medium (602), a transducer (606), and a zero-crossing receiver (640). The zero-crossing receiver (640) detects transition states of propagated energy waves in the propagation medium including the transition of each energy wave through a mid-point of a symmetrical or cyclical waveform. A second path includes the driver circuit (1228), a transducer (1204), a propagation medium (1202), a reflecting surface (1206), and an edge-detect receiver (1240). Energy waves in the propagating medium (1202) are reflected at least once. The edge-detect receiver (1240) detects a wave front of an energy wave. Each positive closed-loop path maintains the emission, propagation, and detection of energy waves in the propagation medium.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock 202 and a sensing module 200. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensors (303), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). The electronic circuitry (307) operatively couples to the one or more sensors (303) to measure the parameter. A transmitter (309) transmits parameter measurements. An induction coil (1404) is coupled electromagnetically to a wireless energy source (1402). The induction coil converts electromagnetic energy waves to a signal that powers the sensing module (200). The signal includes information or data.