Methods, systems and devices for a clinical data reporting and surgical navigation

Abstract

Three components are proposed, each having at its core a system for producing measurements of the relative motion of anatomical structures of mammals (the “measurement system”). The measurement system in this case would be comprised of an apparatus for imaging the joint of through a prescribed motion, and a process and mechanism for deriving quantitative measurement output data from the resulting images. The components of the present invention include: (1) a software device for reporting measurement output of the measurement system and for allowing users to interact with the measurement output data; (2) an apparatus and method for utilizing measurement output of the measurement system for therapeutic and surgical applications such as surgical navigation and patient positioning during a therapeutic procedure; and (3) an apparatus providing input image data for the measurement system that assists with the imaging of joints connecting anatomical regions that are in motion during operation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 422,283, filed Dec. 13, 2010, entitled Methods, Systems and Devices for a Clinical Data Reporting Software System, 61 / 444,265 filed Feb. 18, 2011, entitled Methods, Systems and Devices for A Clinical Data Reporting And Surgical Navigation, 61 / 453,236 filed Mar. 16, 2011 entitled Methods, Systems and Devices for a Clinical Data Reporting Software System, 61 / 454,601 filed Mar. 21, 2011, entitled Methods, Systems and Devices for a Clinical Data Reporting Software System and Product Design Tools, and 61 / 499,272 filed Jun. 21, 2011, entitled Methods, Systems and Devices for a Clinical Data Reporting and Surgical Navigation which applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]One of the most prevalent joint problems is back pain, particularly in the “small of the back” or lumbosacral (L4-S1) region. In many cases, the pain severely limits a person's function...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a software interface that can analyze data from subjects who were tested in different positions to determine the contribution of muscles and loads. This data can be used in a computer model of spine biomechanics to identify potential causes of functional problems. The text also describes a system for surgical navigation and patient positioning that can use this data to determine the optimal geometry and position of the patient for surgery. The control system can make adjustments to the patient positioning system to achieve the target anatomical geometry and orientation. The technical effects include improved accuracy and efficiency in spine surgery procedures.

Problems solved by technology

In many cases, the pain severely limits a person's functional ability and quality of life.

Through disease or injury, the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, laminae, spinous process, articular processes, or facets of one or more spinal vertebrae can become damaged, such that the vertebrae no longer articulate or properly align with each other.

This can result in an undesired anatomy, loss of mobility, and pain or discomfort.

Additionally, there is a substantial impact on the productivity of workers as a result of lost work days.

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