Modified system and method for intraoperative tension assessment during joint arthroplasty

A modified system for balancing soft tissue intraoperatively during joint arthroplasty, the system being of the type having a first joint trial having an articulating surface, a second joint trial having an articulating surface, a flexible sensor array capable of being shaped to define a curved contour, the sensor array being capable of generating a signal in response to pressure, and a protector having a curved contoured surface and being capable of transmitting pressure to the sensor array,

• the modified system comprising:
• mating members associated with the protector and one of the trials for temporarily fixing the position of at least part of the protector with respect to the trial;
• wherein the sensor array is temporarily in a fixed position between the protector and the trial articulating surface;
• and
• wherein the sensor array is free from adhesive.

A modified system for balancing soft tissue intraoperatively during joint arthroplasty, the system being of the type including a first joint trial having an articulating surface, a second joint trial having an articulating surface, a flexible sensor array associated with one of the trials and capable of being shaped to define a curved contour, the sensor array being capable of generating a signal in response to pressure, and a protector having a curved contoured surface and being capable of transmitting pressure to the sensor array,

• the modified system characterized in that:
• the sensor array is positively located with respect to at least one of the protector and associated trial;
• and
• the sensor array is separable from the associated trial and the protector both before and after use.

In a system for balancing soft tissue intraoperatively during joint arthroplasty wherein the system has a first joint trial having an articulating surface, a second joint trial having an articulating surface, a flexible sensor array capable of being shaped to define a curved contour, the sensor array being capable of generating a signal in response to pressure, and a protector having a curved contoured surface and being capable of transmitting pressure to the sensor array,

• a method of sterilizing and assembling the system comprising:
• providing the sensor array and the protector as discrete elements;
• sterilizing the sensor array and the protector as discrete elements;
• and
• mechanically fixing the position of at least a portion of the protector with respect to one of the trials with the sensor array in a fixed position and substantially covered by at least part of the protector after the sensor array and the protector have been sterilized.

In a system for balancing soft tissue intraoperatively during joint arthroplasty wherein the system has a first joint trial having an articulating surface, a second joint trial having an articulating surface, a flexible sensor array capable of being shaped to define a curved contour, the sensor array being capable of generating a signal in response to pressure, and a protector having a curved contoured surface and being capable of transmitting pressure to the sensor array,

• a method of sterilizing and assembling the system comprising:
• providing the sensor array and the protector as discrete elements;
• sterilizing the sensor array and the protector as discrete elements;
• and
• mechanically fixing the position of the curved contoured surface of the protector relative to the articulating surface of one of the trials with the sensor array between the curved contoured surface of the protector and the articulating surface of the trial.