| abstract |
A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle (32) and a spacer (34) which cooperates with the condyle (32) to form an artificial joint (30). The spacer (34) embedded with at least one sensor (35) which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle (32) and the spacer (34). The artificial joint (30) is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor (35) is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program (40)to display (24) a representation of the forces applied. A practioner utilizing the displayed analysis (24) may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the a rtificial joint (30). The system may also utilize a ligament tension sensor (38) which generates data representative of tension on a ligament of the artificial joint, and a joint angle sensor (36) responsive to the range of motion of the artificial joint. The processor (14) may be adapted to store the outputted sensor data to provide the practioner with statistically relevant historical data. |