JOINT SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF
A joint sensor system includes: an implantable joint camera assembly; an optional data communication device coupled to the joint camera assembly; a data processing device for collecting joint data; and a display coupled to the data processing device for monitoring the joint interface using the joint camera assembly.
1 . A joint sensor system, comprising:
an implantable joint camera assembly configured and arranged for implantation proximate a joint structure of a patient;
a data processing device coupled to the joint camera assembly and configured and arranged to collect joint data from the joint camera assembly; and
a display coupled to the data processing device configured and arranged to monitor the joint interface using the joint camera assembly.
2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a data communication device configured and arranged to be disposed external to the patient and to communicate with the joint camera assembly and the data processing device.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the joint camera assembly comprises a power source and the data communication device comprises a wireless power generator configured and arranged to couple to and charge the power source.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the joint camera assembly comprises an illumination controller configured and arranged to direct illumination on a portion of the joint structure.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the joint camera assembly further comprises an illumination element configured and arranged to produce at least one of white light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the illumination controller and illumination element are configured and arranged to facilitate identification of a foreign material in the joint structure.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the joint camera assembly comprises an ultrasound controller configured to monitor the joint structure.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the joint camera assembly comprises a camera configured and arranged to produce a video or still image of the joint structure.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the joint camera assembly comprises at least one sensor configured and arranged to produce sensor data for determination of at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a range of motion, a step count, or shock to the joint structure.
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the joint camera assembly is configured and arranged for surgical implantation proximate an upper implant assembly, a lower implant assembly, or a natural joint.
11 . An implantable joint camera assembly configured and arranged for implantation near a joint structure, comprising:
a camera configured and arranged to produce at least one of a still picture or video of the joint structure;
a controller assembly coupled to the camera and configured and arranged to transmit data from the camera to an external device; and
an illumination arrangement configured and arranged to produce and control at least one of white light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light to facilitate operation of the camera.
12 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a power source
13 . The joint camera assembly of claim 12 , wherein the power source is configured and arranged to be charged using an external wireless power generator.
14 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , wherein the illumination arrangement comprises an illumination controller configured and arranged to direct illumination on a portion of the joint structure.
15 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , wherein the illumination arrangement further comprises an illumination element configured and arranged to produce at least one of white light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light.
16 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , wherein the illumination arrangement is configured and arranged to facilitate identification of a foreign material in the joint structure.
17 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , further comprising an ultrasound controller configured to monitor the joint interface.
18 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , further comprising at least one sensor configured and arranged to produce sensor data for determination of at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a range of motion, a step count, or shock to the joint structure.
19 . The joint camera assembly of claim 18 , wherein at least one of the at least one sensor is an accelerometer, temperature sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion detector, shock sensor, magnetometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, infrared sensor, thermistor, piezoelectric sensor, or sonar sensor.
20 . The joint camera assembly of claim 11 , wherein the joint camera assembly is configured and arranged for surgical implantation proximate an upper implant assembly, a lower implant assembly, or a natural joint.