Patient-specific anterior plate implant

Abstract

The present technology provides a patient-specific implant. The implant can include a plate having a contoured geometry to mate with an anatomical structure identified at a target location. The plate can include a first protrusion having a first contact surface having a first topography designed to mate with a corresponding first surface of a first vertebral body, and a second protrusion having a second contact surface having a second topography designed to mate with a corresponding second surface of a second vertebral body. The first topography can be different from the second topography. In some embodiments, the first and / or second protrusions can be configured to have a topography designed to contact and mate with multiple surfaces, such as two adjacent surfaces of the respective first and second vertebral bodies.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 211,226, filed June 16, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to orthopedic implants, and more particularly to systems and methods for designing and implementing patient-specific plates. [Background technology]

[0003] Orthopedic implants are used to correct many different conditions in a variety of settings, including spine surgery, hand surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, total joint reconstruction (arthroplasty), skull reconstruction, pediatric orthopedics, foot and ankle surgery, musculoskeletal oncology, surgical sports medicine, and orthopedic trauma. Spinal surgery itself can encompass a variety of procedures and targets, such as one or more of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum, and can be performed to treat spinal deformity or degeneration and / or associated back pain, leg pain, and other body pain. Common spinal deformities that can be treated with orthopedic implants include irregular spinal curvatures, such as scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis (hyper or hypo), and irregular spinal displacements (e.g., spondylolisthesis). Other spinal conditions that can be treated with orthopedic implants include osteoarthritis, lumbar or cervical degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, and cervical spinal stenosis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] PCT Application No. PCT / US21 / 59837 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 987,113 [Patent Document 3] PCT Application No. PCT / US21 / 12065 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 735,222 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 990,810 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the systems, methods, and various other aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the boundaries of the illustrated elements in the drawings (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) represent one example of boundaries. In some examples, an element can be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements can be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component of another element, and vice versa. A non-limiting and non-exhaustive description is provided with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed on illustrating principles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a patient-specific implant implanted along a patient's spinal column and constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view of the patient's spine and patient-specific implant of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is an enlarged side view of a medial portion of the patient-specific implant of FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a patient-specific implant having multiple plates and implanted along a patient's spinal column, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an anterior perspective view of the patient's spine and patient-specific implant of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A]FIG. 1 is a side view of a patient-specific implant having a plate and cage implanted adjacent a patient's spinal column, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a front view of the patient's spine and patient-specific implant of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] 1 is a partial schematic top view of a patient-specific implant having a plate with a recessed connection feature and an interconnecting cage, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic top view of a patient-specific implant with plates and an interconnecting cage having a threaded connection mechanism, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a method for ex vivo assembly and implantation of a patient-specific implant at a target location in a patient's spinal column, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a method of in vivo assembly and implantation of a patient-specific implant at a target location in a patient's spinal column, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 8] 1 is a network connectivity diagram illustrating a system for providing patient-specific medical care configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 9] 9 illustrates a computing device suitable for use in connection with the system of FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10] 1 is a partial schematic diagram of an operational setup for implanting a patient-specific implant into a patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 11] 1 is a flow chart of a method for implanting a patient-specific implant having multiple plates, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12A] 1 is a flow chart of a method for designing a front plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique. [Figure 12B] 1 is a flowchart of a method for designing and / or constructing an implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12C]1 is a flowchart of a method for designing and / or constructing an implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12D] 1 is a flowchart of a method for designing and / or constructing an implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12E] 1 is a flowchart of a method for designing and / or constructing an implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12F] 1 is a flowchart of a method for designing and / or constructing an implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The following headings are provided for ease of reading. Although embodiments of the present technology are described under the following headings, other embodiments of the present technology may include elements that are discussed under multiple headings. Thus, the fact that an embodiment may be discussed under a particular heading does not necessarily limit the embodiment to only the elements described under that heading.

[0008] I. Technology Overview The present technology is directed to medical device implants that are designed based on a patient's anatomy. For example, in many of the embodiments disclosed herein, the present technology provides a patient-specific implant designed to be implanted relative to one or more vertebral bodies. The implant can include a plate having protrusions or wings extending superiorly, inferiorly, and / or laterally. Each of the protrusions can include a contact surface for interfacing with a surface of a vertebral body. Each of the contact surfaces can have a topography designed to mate with the topography of the surface of the vertebral body. In some embodiments, the implant can be used to fuse, stabilize, and / or reduce relative motion of a first vertebral body relative to a second vertebral body. In some embodiments, the implants described herein can be used to improve alignment of a first vertebral body relative to a second vertebral body, such as reducing or preventing vertebral body bulging. In some embodiments, the patient-specific plate is configured to extend across the intervertebral space and impede motion of one or more implants, such as interbody fusion devices.

[0009] In some embodiments, the implant includes a patient-specific anterior plate having a first (e.g., upper, top, etc.) protrusion having a first contact surface configured to interface with an anterior surface of a first (e.g., upper, top, etc.) vertebral body and a second (e.g., lower, bottom, etc.) protrusion having a second contact surface configured to interface with an anterior surface of a second (e.g., lower, bottom, etc.) vertebral body. The one contact surface can have a first topography contoured to mate with the topography of the anterior surface of the first vertebral body and the second contact surface can have a second shape contoured to mate with the topography of the anterior surface of the second vertebral body.

[0010] In some embodiments, a protrusion can be configured to interface with multiple surfaces, such as two or more adjacent surfaces, of a corresponding vertebral body. For example, a first protrusion can include a first (e.g., uppermost) portion having a first partial contact surface. The first partial contact surface can have a contoured geometry to mate with the topography of a superior surface (e.g., a superior endplate) of a superior vertebral body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the implant can include an intermediate (e.g., medial, central, etc.) protrusion or member configured to be at least partially disposed between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intermediate protrusion can include a first (e.g., upper) intermediate contact surface and a second (e.g., lower) intermediate contact surface. The first intermediate contact surface can have a topography contoured to mate with at least a portion of the topography of the lower surface (e.g., lower endplate) of the superior vertebral body, and the second intermediate contact surface can have a topography contoured to mate with at least a portion of the topography of the upper surface (e.g., upper endplate) of the inferior vertebral body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the implant can include a first plate configured to interface with a first side of the upper and lower vertebral bodies and a second plate configured to interface with a second side of the upper and lower vertebral bodies. The first side can be the same or different than the second side, e.g., the first plate can be configured to contact an anterior side of the upper and lower vertebral bodies and the second plate can be configured to contact an anterior or lateral side of the upper and lower vertebral bodies. It can be appreciated that the first and second plates can have different topographies even when configured to contact the same side of the upper and / or lower vertebral bodies, e.g., because the topographies of these sides may not be uniform. In some embodiments, the first plate can be coupled or connected to the second plate, e.g., by one or more connectors or linkages.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spinal implant may include both a patient-specific interbody device (e.g., a cage) and a patient-specific positioning feature. The interbody device may be designed to occupy a first target location between two vertebral bodies. The positioning feature may be designed to occupy a second target location proximate at least one of the two vertebral bodies. The positioning feature may be a plate, and the plate and the interbody device may be mechanically coupled by a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism may be designed to connect the interbody device to the plate to form a predetermined three-dimensional spatial relationship therebetween that allows the cage to occupy the first target location and the plate to occupy the second target location simultaneously. Because the plate and the interbody device are in a predetermined three-dimensional spatial relationship when coupled together, the surgeon implanting the implant need only confirm whether the plate is in the second target location or the interbody device is in the first target location. For example, if the surgeon confirms that the plate is in the second target location, the interbody device will be in the first target location due to the predetermined spatial relationship between the interbody device and the plate.

[0014] The present technology further provides a method of implanting a patient-specific implant. For example, in some embodiments, the interbody device and the plate can be implanted in an unattached state. In such embodiments, the interbody device can be delivered proximate to a first target location. The plate can then be delivered to a second target location. Once the plate is in the second target location, the plate can be coupled to the interbody device. The act of coupling the plate to the interbody device can move the interbody device to the first target location. The plate can be configured to match the geometry of one or more anatomical features on which the plate is placed / seated. For example, the plate can have a curved surface that is at least approximately geometrically congruent with a region of the outer surface of the vertebral body. When the plate is pressed against the region, the matching surfaces can engage with each other to secure the plate to the vertebral body. Thus, the patient-specific configuration of the plate can be used to position and align the plate to the spine. In some embodiments, the interbody device and the plate can be delivered in an attached state. Regardless of whether the interbody device and plate are delivered coupled or uncoupled, the mechanical coupling between the interbody device and plate can provide a desired orientation and positioning between the interbody device and the plate, such that when the plate is in a second target position, the interbody device is in a first target position, and vice versa. Once implanted, the plate can also prevent and / or reduce movement (e.g., expulsion, migration, etc.) of the interbody device.

[0015] Without being bound by theory, intervertebral implants are most effective when implanted in the correct location. This is especially true for "patient-specific" intervertebral implants that are designed to mate with a particular anatomical target, as described below. However, depending on the surgical approach and the type of device being implanted, it can be difficult to deliver an intervertebral implant (e.g., an interbody device such as a cage) to a precise target location within the intervertebral disc space. For example, because the intervertebral disc space is between two vertebral bodies, the target location within the intervertebral disc space is often not directly visible and / or accessible to the surgeon throughout the surgical procedure. The target location is also typically at the bottom of a narrow surgical corridor that may further reduce the surgeon's ability to see the target site and / or reduce the maneuverability of the implant when in proximity to the target site. Thus, the present technology provides systems, devices, and associated methods for directing an intervertebral implant to a target location without directly visualizing the target site. Thus, without being bound by theory, it is expected that the present technology will improve the accuracy of delivering interbody devices to relatively "hard to visualize" target locations, such as the intervertebral disc space.

[0016] The plates described herein allow for reliable positioning of an interbody device at a correct (and / or relatively hard to visualize) target location and reduce motion of the interbody device and / or stabilize or fuse a first vertebral body relative to at least a second vertebral body when the interbody device is positioned at the target location. The plate can be designed to mate with a portion of the patient's anatomy at a second target location that is relatively easier to visualize and / or access than the interbody target location. For example, the plate can be designed to mate with one or more faces of a vertebral body (e.g., an anterior face of a vertebral body, a lateral face of a vertebral body, etc.). The plate can also be coupled to the interbody device to form a predefined three-dimensional spatial relationship therebetween. For example, when the plate is coupled to the interbody device, the interbody device can have a predefined position, orientation, alignment, and / or geometry relative to the plate. Thus, a predefined three-dimensional orientation can be designed such that when the plate is positioned at a relatively easy to visualize plate target location, the interbody device is oriented in a relatively hard to visualize location. Thus, a plate can be used to help guide the interbody device into position. The plate can be mechanically coupled to the spine by one or more fasteners (e.g., bone screws, anchors, etc.). The fasteners can also prevent or limit movement of the plate relative to the adjacent vertebrae.

[0017] In some embodiments, the patient-specific intervertebral implant includes an intervertebral cage configured to mate with one or more end plates of adjacent vertebral bodies, a patient-specific positioning feature configured to mate with a target area of ​​at least one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism can couple or be configured to couple the patient-specific positioning feature to the intervertebral cage to maintain a predetermined configuration of the patient-specific intervertebral implant when the intervertebral cage is between the end plates and the patient-specific positioning feature is in contact with the target area. The predetermined configuration can correspond to a target spatial relationship between the cage and the positioning feature.

[0018] Thus, the present technology provides systems and methods for designing and implanting "patient-specific" or "personalized" medical devices that are expected to mitigate at least some of the shortcomings of conventional intervertebral implants. In particular, the present technology can provide systems and methods for designing and implanting patient-specific implants optimized for a patient's particular characteristics (e.g., medical condition, anatomical structure, pathology, medical history, etc.). For example, a patient-specific medical device can be designed and manufactured specifically for a particular patient, rather than an off-the-shelf device. However, it should be understood that a patient-specific or personalized medical device can include one or more components that are not patient-specific and / or can be used with instruments or tools that are not patient-specific. For example, patient-specific positioning features can be used with non-patient-specific articular intervertebral implants, fusion intervertebral implants, cages, etc. The personalized implant design can be used in the manufacture or selection of patient-specific technology, including medical devices, instruments, and / or surgical kits. For example, a personalized surgical kit can include one or more patient-specific devices, patient-specific instruments, non-patient-specific technology (e.g., standard instruments, devices, etc.), instructions for use, patient-specific treatment planning information, or combinations thereof. The implant can include a positioning feature selected based on, or based on, the implantation site, the delivery route, etc. The positioning feature can be or include, for example, a plate, a plate assembly (e.g., a plate and one or more fasteners, a plate with a locator, etc.), an arm (e.g., deployable or non-deployable arms), or a combination thereof. For example, the implant can have arms that are deployed to contact specific locations along the spine.

[0019] In some embodiments, the patient-specific implants described herein are designed to occupy a particular target location upon implantation. As used herein, the terms "target location," "target site," and "target location" refer to a predetermined optimal location for the implant to be placed during an implant procedure and may be based on the patient's anatomy, medical condition, diagnosis, prognosis, activity level, and the like. For example, the target location may be defined by one or more of the following parameters: angle or degree of orientation and angle or degree of translation, insertion depth, insertion angle, degree of contact between two surfaces, and the like, taken in relation to an anatomical landmark. Suitable anatomical landmarks include, for example, specific vertebrae or other recognizable anatomical features. Thus, the target location may include a three-dimensional location of the implant relative to the patient's anatomy (e.g., defined by a boundary created by the patient's anatomical features) and / or a target orientation of the implant relative to the patient's anatomy. In some embodiments, the target location may incorporate a desired correction to the patient's native anatomy such that when the implant is implanted in the target location, the patient's anatomy is manipulated to achieve the desired correction. Without being bound by theory, placing the implant at a target location is expected to optimize the benefits of the implant and / or minimize side effects. In particular, the full benefits of the implant can only be realized if the implant is precisely placed at the target location. Various embodiments of implants (e.g., interbody devices and plates) can have different target locations.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, and in which exemplary embodiments are shown. However, the claimed embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. The examples described herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible implementations. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and open-ended in that the item or items following any one of these words are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0021] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] Although the disclosure herein primarily describes systems and methods for treatment planning in the context of orthopedic surgery, the techniques of the present invention may be applied to medical devices and procedures in other fields (e.g., other types of surgical practices) as well. Additionally, while many embodiments herein describe systems and methods relating to implanted devices, the techniques of the present invention may be applied to other types of medical devices (e.g., non-implanted devices) as well.

[0023] II. Patient-specific implants 1A and 1B show a patient-specific implant 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In particular, FIG. 1A is a side view of the implant 100, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the implant 100 of FIG. 1A. The implant 100 includes an anterior plate 120 that contacts the anterior surfaces of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies (shown in dashed lines). The plate 120 can include a patient-specific geometry (e.g., size, shape, curvature, contour, morphology, topography, etc.) designed to mate with the patient's anatomy. In particular, the plate 120 includes a first (e.g., superior, upper, etc.) protrusion or wing portion 121 and a second (e.g., inferior, lower, etc.) protrusion or wing portion 126. The first protrusion 121 includes a first contact surface 122 configured to interface with the anterior surface S3 of the L4 vertebral body. For example, the first contact surface 122 (e.g., the posterior surface) of the plate 120 can have a topography designed to mate with the topography of the anterior surface S3 of the L4 vertebral body. As used herein, the term "mating" can refer to two surfaces engaging to form a substantially gap-free interface with reduced and / or minimized clearance between them such that at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the first surface contacts the second surface in at least some patient orientations (not including any engineered gaps such as may exist for the space between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies).

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the anterior surface S3 is partially curved. Thus, the first contact surface 122 is also partially curved to mate with at least a portion of the partially curved topography of the anterior surface S3, e.g., to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween. When the patient is upright and the spine is generally straight, at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the surface area of ​​the first contact surface 122 contacts the anterior surface S3 (e.g., to form a "substantially gap-free" interface). In the illustrated embodiment, the anterior surface S3 has a substantially "wavy" or "curved" topography with a number of recesses and protrusions. Thus, the first contact surface 122 of the first protrusion 121 has a substantially "wavy" or "curved" topography with several recesses and protrusions that mate with the generally wavy topography of the anterior surface S3 to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 121 can be configured to contact multiple surfaces, such as two or more adjacent surfaces, of the L4 vertebral body. The first protrusion 121 can include a first (e.g., upper, top, etc.) portion or member 140 having a first partial contact surface 141 configured to interface with a surface adjacent / proximate to the surface contacted by the first contact surface 122. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first partial contact surface 141 is configured to interface with a superior surface S5 (e.g., superior endplate) of the L4 vertebral body. The first partial contact surface 141 can have a topography designed to mate (e.g., correspond, match, resemble, etc.) with at least a portion of the topography of the superior surface S5. In the illustrated embodiment, the superior surface S5 is partially curved. Thus, the first partial contact surface 141 is also partially curved to mate with at least a portion of the partially curved topography of the superior surface S5, e.g., to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, first contact surface 122 and first partial contact surface 141 are shown slightly spaced apart from their respective surfaces S3, S5 to more clearly show the topography of both surfaces, however, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, first contact surface 122 can contact anterior surface S3 and / or first partial contact surface 141 can contact at least a portion of upper surface S5 when plate 120 is implanted in a patient.

[0027] The second protrusion 126 includes a second contact surface 128 configured to interface with the anterior surface S4 of the L5 vertebral body. The second contact surface 128 can have a patient-specific geometry designed to mate with the anterior surface S4. Because the second protrusion 126 is configured to mate with a different surface than the first protrusion 121, the second protrusion 126 can have a different shape than the first protrusion 121.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second protrusion 126 can be configured to contact multiple surfaces, such as two or more adjacent surfaces, of the L5 vertebral body. The second protrusion 126 can include a second (e.g., lower, lowest, etc.) portion or member 142 having a second partial contact surface 143 configured to interface with a surface adjacent / proximal to the surface contacted by the second contact surface 128. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second partial contact surface 143 is configured to interface with a lower surface S6 (e.g., lower endplate) of the L5 vertebral body. The second partial contact surface 143 can also have a patient-specific geometry designed to mate with the lower surface S6. Because the second partial contact surface 143 is configured to mate with a different surface than the first partial contact surface 141, the second partial contact surface 143 can have a different shape than the first partial contact surface 141.

[0029] The plate 120 may further include alignment features configured to aid in positioning the plate 120 and / or one or more of its faces / protrusions relative to the L4-L5 vertebral bodies. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment features include an intermediate (intravertebral, medial, central, core, etc.) portion or protrusion 144 that is at least partially disposed (extending, located, implanted, etc.) between adjacent L4-L5 vertebral bodies. The intermediate portion 144 may be generally centered between the lateral edges of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies, although other locations are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 120 includes an intermediate portion 144 that is at least partially disposed between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies, e.g., between an inferior surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body and an superior surface S1 of the L5 vertebral body. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion 144 is configured to at least partially contact the intradiscal space (e.g., the L4-L5 disc) when the plate 120 is implanted. In other embodiments, intermediate portion 144 can be configured to be spaced from (i.e., not contacting) the disc when plate 120 is implanted, for example, by at least 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or other suitable distance. In further embodiments, the disc can be absent or at least partially removed / resected prior to or during implantation of plate 120. In these and other embodiments, intermediate portion 144 can be configured to occupy at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of any void space between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies that is not otherwise occupied by the disc or other objects (e.g., intervertebral devices) disposed in the intervertebral space between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies.

[0030] The intermediate portion 144 can include a first (e.g., superior, upper, etc.) intermediate contact surface 145 and a second (e.g., inferior, lower, etc.) intermediate contact surface 145. The first intermediate contact surface 145 can be configured to interface with at least a portion of the lower surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body. The first intermediate contact surface 145 can have a shape designed to at least partially mate with the shape of the lower surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface S2 is partially curved. Thus, the first intermediate contact surface 145 is also partially curved to mate with at least a portion of the partially curved topography of the lower surface S2, e.g., to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween. The second intermediate contact surface 146 can be configured to interface with at least a portion of the upper surface S1 of the L5 vertebral body. The second intermediate contact surface 146 can have a patient-specific geometry configured to mate with the upper surface S1. Because the second intermediate contact surface 146 is configured to mate with a different surface than the first intermediate contact surface 145, the second intermediate contact surface 146 can have a different shape than the first intermediate contact surface 145.

[0031] FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1A showing the intermediate portion 144 and surrounding patient anatomy. As best shown in FIG. 1C, the first intermediate contact surface 145 has a first curvature corresponding to the topology of the inferior surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body and / or the second cortical rim CR2, and the second intermediate contact surface 146 has a second curvature different from the first curvature of the first intermediate contact surface 145, corresponding to the topology of the superior surface S1 of the L5 vertebral body and / or the first cortical rim CR1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the distal / posterior end or terminal end 147 of the intermediate portion 144 is configured to contact or otherwise interface with the native L4-L5 disc. In other embodiments, and as described above, the distal / posterior end 147 can be configured to be spaced apart from the L4-L5 disc to form a gap therebetween. Additionally or alternatively, distal / posterior end 147 can be coupled to an interbody device configured to be positioned between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies, such as any of the intervertebral implants further described with reference to Figures 3A-5. In these and other embodiments, at least a portion of the L4-L5 disc can be resected or otherwise removed to create space between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies for intermediate portion 144 and / or an intervertebral device, for example. The amount of L4-L5 disc resected / removed can be patient-specific and / or can be at least generally similar, identical, or otherwise correspond to the size of the intermediate portion and / or intervertebral device configured to be positioned within the L4-L5 intervertebral space.

[0032] The distal / rear end 147 of the intermediate portion can be configured to extend a distance / length distally / posteriorly from the plate 120 (e.g., the first contact surface 122 and / or the second contact surface 128 of the plate 120), as shown in FIG. 1C by length L. The length L can be between about 1 mm and about 20 mm, e.g., about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, or other suitable distance. In some embodiments, the length L is based at least in part on one or more patient-specific factors, such as the distance between (1) the cortical rims CR1, CR2 and / or the anterior vertebral faces S3, S4 and (2) the anterior edge / face E of the intervertebral disc L4-L5. In such embodiments, and as defined above, the intermediate portion 144 can have a length specifically designed such that the distal end 147 abuts or otherwise contacts the anterior edge / face E of the L4 / L5 disc when the plate 120 is positioned against the anterior surfaces S3, S4 of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies. In such embodiments, the distal end 147 can have a topology that corresponds to the topology of the native L4 / L5 disc to reduce or prevent unwanted forces from being transferred from the intermediate projection 144 to the disc. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate projection 144 can be designed to have a length L that is greater than the distance between the cortical rims CR1, CR2 and the anterior edge / face E of the disc. In such embodiments, a portion of the disc can be resected prior to implanting the plate 120, and / or the intermediate projection 144 can bias or bias the disc posteriorly (e.g., to help retain the disc in the interbody space). In yet other embodiments, the intermediate portion 144 can have a length L that is less than the distance between the cortical rim CR1, CR2 and the anterior edge / face E of the disc, such that a gap (not shown) exists between the distal end 147 of the intermediate projection 144 and the anterior edge / face E of the disc after implantation of the plate 120. In some embodiments, the gap is between about 0.5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm, e.g., about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, etc.

[0033] In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 144 is designed such that the distal / posterior end 147 extends a particular distance distally / posteriorly beyond one or both of the anterior surfaces S3, S4 of the vertebral bodies L4, L5 and / or extends a particular distance distally / posteriorly beyond one or both of the cortical rims CR of the vertebral bodies L4, L5 (e.g., the first cortical rim CR1 of the L5 vertebral body between the inferior surface S1 and the anterior surface S4, and / or the second cortical rim CR2 of the L4 vertebral body between the superior surface S2 and the anterior surface S2). For example, the intermediate portion 144 can be designed such that the distal / posterior end 147 extends 1 mm to 20 mm (e.g., about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, or another suitable distance) beyond the anterior surfaces S3, S4 and / or the cortical rims CR1, CR2. In at least some embodiments, the distance can be selected at least in part based on one or more patient-specific factors, including whether intermediate portion 144 is configured to contact the L4-L5 disc, whether intermediate portion 114 is configured to be coupled to an intervertebral device, one or more dimensions of an intervertebral device configured to be coupled to intermediate portion 144, the amount of L4-L5 disc to be removed / resected, the topology of one or both of the patient's vertebral bodies, and / or any of the other data and / or patient-specific information described herein.

[0034] 1A and 1B, fastening elements, such as screws, can be used to secure plate 120 to adjacent anatomical structures, such as the L4 and / or L5 vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, and as best shown in FIG. 1B, first projection 121 can include one or more apertures 124 (FIG. 1B) for receiving one or more fastening elements or screws 125 (FIG. 1A) for securing plate 120 to the L4 vertebral body. Additionally, second projection 126 can also include one or more apertures 127 (FIG. 1B) for receiving one or more fastening elements or screws 129 (FIG. 1) for securing plate 120 to the L5 vertebral body. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, the intermediate portion 144 can include one or more apertures for receiving one or more fastening elements or screws, for example, for securing the first intermediate contact surface 145 to the inferior surface S2 and / or the second intermediate contact surface 146 to the superior surface S1. Each of the fastening elements and / or apertures 124, 127 can include a patient-specific geometry configured to mate with a patient's anatomy. For example, the location / location of the aperture 124 in the first projection 121 can be different from the location / location of the aperture 127 in the second projection 126, and the dimensions (e.g., length, width, threading, etc.) and / or insertion angle of the associated fastening element can correspond to the patient's anatomy and / or the particular aperture. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the plate 120 can be secured to the L4 and / or L5 vertebral bodies using a posterior fixation process or technique.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plate 120 may incorporate multiple wings / protrusions to provide fixation between adjacent vertebral bodies, reduce post-operative motion between the vertebral bodies, and / or increase the stability provided by the plate 120. In addition to or instead of having superiorly and / or inferiorly extending protrusions, the plate 120 may include one or two or more protrusions that extend laterally (e.g., relative to the medial or central axis / face of the plate 120) and are configured to interface with one or two or more lateral / sides of the L4 and / or L5 vertebral bodies. In such embodiments, the lateral protrusions may have a patient-specific geometry configured to mate with the lateral sides of the L4 and / or L5 vertebral bodies. The lateral protrusions may also be used to secure the plate 120 to the vertebral bodies.

[0036] Plate 120 can have predetermined target locations where the patient-specific topography of plate 120 mates with a corresponding one of the patient's anatomy. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, contact surface 122 aligns with an anterior surface S3 of the L4 vertebral body, second partial contact surface 143 aligns with at least a portion of an inferior surface S6 of the L5 vertebral body, first intermediate contact surface 145 aligns with at least a portion of an inferior surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body, etc.

[0037] Although plate 120 has been described and illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B with reference to the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies, in other embodiments, plate 120 can be configured for implantation in the cervical, lower lumbar, and / or other regions of a patient's spine. In such embodiments, plate 120 and / or one or more components thereof (e.g., first projection 121, second projection 126, etc.) can have a corresponding curved or arcuate shape. For example, plate 120 and / or one or more components thereof can include a curvature or arcuate shape along a longitudinal or cranial-caudal axis that corresponds to a curvature or arcuate shape at a target location of the patient's spine along the corresponding axis.

[0038] It is expected that the patient-specific topography of the implant 100 can prevent, inhibit, limit or reduce relative movement (e.g., lateral, vertical, etc.) of the implant 100 with respect to one or both adjacent vertebrae. For example, the placement of the implant 100 in a target location can maximize contact between the plate 120 and the L4 and / or L5 vertebral bodies. This can increase stability of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies and / or reduce the risk of the plate 120 becoming dislodged (dislodging, detaching, etc.) from the target location. It is further expected that the patient-specific topography can reduce the risk of the relative position / alignment of the adjacent vertebral bodies changing after the plate 120 is placed in the target location. For example, the placement of the implant 100 in a target spinal segment (e.g., the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies) can limit the relative movement of the target spinal segment with respect to other portions / segments of the patient's spine. This may reduce and / or prevent bulging of the first vertebral body (e.g., L4) relative to the implant 100 and / or the second vertebral body (e.g., L5) and / or improve the overall alignment of the vertebral bodies in the patient's spine. It is further expected that the patient-specific topography may improve the fit of the plate 120 at the target location, such that, for example, the plate 120 improves fusion (bonding, connection, etc.) of the first vertebral body (e.g., L4) with the second (e.g., adjacent) vertebral body (e.g., L5).

[0039] 2A and 2B show additional patient-specific implants constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. More specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of implant 200 including first plate 220 and second plate 250, and FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of implant 200 of FIG. 2A. At least some aspects of implant 200 may be generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to one or more aspects of implant 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Accordingly, similar names and / or reference numbers are used to identify generally similar or identical aspects (e.g., first plate 220 of FIGS. 2A and 2B versus plate 120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B). Additionally, any of the features of implant 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be combined with implant 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0040] 2A, implant 200 includes a first plate 220 disposed on and / or contacting a first side of a spinal column (e.g., the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies) and a second plate 250 disposed on and / or contacting a second side of the spinal column. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, first plate 220 is positioned anteriorly to the spinal column and second plate 250 is positioned laterally (e.g., on / adjacent to the lateral side) of the spinal column.

[0041] The second plate 250 can include a patient-specific geometry (e.g., size, shape, curvature, contour, morphology, topography, etc.) configured to mate with the patient's anatomy. In particular, the second plate 250 includes a first (e.g., superior, upper, etc.) protrusion or wing portion 252 and a second (e.g., inferior, lower, etc.) protrusion or wing portion 254. The first protrusion 252 includes a first contact surface 256 ( FIG. 2B ) configured to interface with a lateral surface S7 of the L4 vertebral body. The first contact surface 256 (e.g., posterior surface) of the second plate 250 can have a shape designed to mate with the shape of the lateral surface S7 of the L4 vertebral body. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral surface S7 is partially curved. Thus, the first contact surface 256 is also partially curved to mate with at least a portion of the partially curved topography of the lateral surface S7, e.g., to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the anterior side S7 has a generally "wavy" or "curved" topography. Thus, the first contact surface 256 of the first protrusion 252 has a generally "wavy" or "curved" topography that mates with the generally wavy topography of the side S7 to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact surface 256 is shown slightly spaced from the side S7 to more clearly show the topographies of the various surfaces. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first contact surface 256 can contact the side S7 when the second plate 250 is implanted in a patient.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 252 can be configured to contact multiple surfaces, such as two or more adjacent surfaces, of the L4 vertebral body. The first protrusion 252 can further include a first (e.g., upper, top, etc.) portion or member 253 having a first partial contact surface 255 configured to interface with a superior surface S5 (e.g., superior endplate) of the L4 vertebral body. The first partial contact surface 255 can have a topography designed to mate (e.g., correspond, match, resemble, etc.) with the topography of the superior surface S5. In the illustrated embodiment, the superior surface S5 is partially curved. Thus, the first partial contact surface 255 is also partially curved to mate with at least a portion of the partially curved topography of the superior surface S5, e.g., to form a substantially gap-free interface therebetween.

[0043] The second protrusion 254 includes a second contact surface 258 configured to interface with the lateral surface S8 of the L5 vertebral body. The second contact surface 258 may also have a patient-specific geometry designed to mate with the lateral surface S8. In particular, the second protrusion 254 may have a different shape than the first protrusion 252 because the second protrusion 254 is configured to mate with a different surface than the first protrusion 252.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second protrusion 254 can be configured to contact multiple surfaces, such as two or more adjacent surfaces, of the L5 vertebral body. The second protrusion 254 can further include a second (e.g., lower, lowest, etc.) portion or member 257 having a second partial contact surface 259 configured to interface with an inferior surface S6 (e.g., an inferior endplate) of the L5 vertebral body. The second partial contact surface 259 can have a patient-specific geometry designed to mate with at least a portion of the inferior surface S6. Because the second partial contact surface 259 is configured to mate with a different surface than the first partial contact surface 255, the second partial contact surface 259 can have a different shape than the first partial contact surface 255.

[0045] The second plate 250 can further include an intermediate (intravertebral, medial, central, core, etc.) portion or protrusion 260 that is at least partially disposed (extending, disposed, implanted, etc.) between adjacent L4-L5 vertebral bodies. The intermediate portion 260 can be configured generally similarly or in the same manner as the intermediate portion 144 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The intermediate portion 260 can include a first (e.g., superior, upper, etc.) intermediate contact surface 262 and a second (e.g., inferior, lower, etc.) intermediate contact surface 264. The first intermediate contact surface 262 can be configured generally similarly or in the same manner as the first intermediate contact surface 145 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The second intermediate contact surface 264 can be configured generally similarly or in the same manner as the second intermediate contact surface 146 of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0046] The implant 200 may further include one or more linkages or connectors 266 (individually identified in FIGS. 2A and 2B as a first connector 266a and a second connector 266b) configured to couple or connect the first plate 220 and the second plate 250. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 252 of the second plate 250 is coupled to the first protrusion 221 of the first plate 220 by the first connector 266a, and the second protrusion 254 of the second plate 250 is coupled to the second protrusion 226 of the first plate 220 by the second connector 266b. In other embodiments, the implant 200 may include one or more connectors 266, and the connectors 266 may be configured to couple any portion, region, or location of the first plate 220 to any portion, region, or location of the second plate 250. For example, in some embodiments, the first protrusion 221 of the first plate 220 can be coupled to the second protrusion 254 of the second plate 250. Each of the connectors 266 can include a patient-specific geometry (e.g., size, shape, curvature, contour, morphology, topography, etc.) configured to mate with the patient's anatomy. In some embodiments, each of the connectors 266 can be at least partially flexible or deformable, for example, to match the lateral topography of the patient's vertebral bodies. Each of the connectors 266 can be coupled to the first and / or second plates 220, 250 before and / or after implantation or insertion into the patient. In some embodiments, each of the connectors 266, the first plate 220, and / or the second plate 250 can be a unitary piece or assembly. In some embodiments, the first and second plates 220, 250 can be coupled to one another (e.g., via connectors 266) in a predetermined three-dimensional orientation to position the first plate 220 at a first target location (e.g., automatically position the second plate at a second target location). Thus, by positioning the first plate to mate with one or more first anatomical structures, the second plate can be caused to mate (e.g., automatically mate) with one or more second anatomical structures.

[0047] 1A and 1B, one or more fastening elements, such as screws (not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B for clarity), may be used to secure the first and / or second plates 220, 250 to adjacent anatomical structures, such as the L4 and / or L5 vertebral bodies. For example, the first projection 252 of the second plate 250 may include one or more apertures 268 configured to receive fastening elements to secure the first projection to the L4 vertebral body, and the second projection 254 of the second plate 250 may include one or more apertures 270 configured to receive fastening elements to secure the second projection 254 to the L5 vertebral body. Additionally, one or more of the connectors 266 may include one or more apertures configured to receive fastening elements.

[0048] Although described in Figures 2A and 2B with reference to having two plates, in other embodiments, the implant 200 can include more than two plates. For example, the implant 200 can include at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or any suitable number of plates. Additionally, in some embodiments, each side / face of adjacent vertebral bodies can each include two or more plates. For example, two or more plates can be positioned anteriorly of the patient's vertebral body, two or more plates can be positioned on a first lateral side of the patient's vertebral body, and / or two or more plates can be positioned on a second (e.g., opposite) lateral side of the patient's vertebral body, etc. Although the implant 200 is described and illustrated with reference to the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, in other embodiments, the plate 120 can be configured for implantation in the cervical, lower lumbar, and / or other regions of the patient's spine.

[0049] It is expected that an implant including multiple plates, each having a patient-specific topography, can prevent, inhibit, limit, or reduce relative movement (e.g., lateral, vertical, etc.) of the plate with respect to one or both adjacent vertebrae. For example, an implant including multiple plates can increase the stability of the adjacent vertebral bodies and / or reduce the risk of one or more plates becoming dislodged (cut off, detached, etc.) from the target position. It is further expected that an implant including multiple plates can reduce the risk of the relative position / alignment of adjacent vertebral bodies changing after the plate is placed in the target position, for example, to reduce and / or limit bulging of one of the one or more plates and / or the first vertebral body (e.g., L4) relative to the second vertebral body (e.g., L5). It is further expected that an implant including multiple plates can improve the fit of the vertebral bodies in the target position, for example, such that the plate 120 improves fusion (bonding, connection, etc.) of the first vertebral body with the second (e.g., adjacent) vertebral body.

[0050] 3A and 3B illustrate another patient-specific implant 300 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. At least some aspects of the implant 300 may be generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to one or more aspects of the implant 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the implant 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, similar names and / or reference numbers are used to identify generally similar or identical aspects (e.g., plate 320 versus plate 120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, first plate 220 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). Additionally, any of the features of the implant 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B may be combined with the implant 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the implant 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0051] FIG 3A is a side view of implant 300 implanted adjacent to the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies (shown in dashed lines). FIG 3B is a front view of implant 200 of FIG 3A. Implant 300 can include a patient-specific interbody element or cage 310, a patient-specific positioning element or plate 320, and a connecting element or mechanism 330 connecting cage 310 to plate 320. Cage 310 is positioned in the disc space between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies and interfaces with the superior side of the L5 vertebral body and the inferior side of the L4 vertebral body. Plate 320 is positioned anterior to the vertebral bodies and can include generally similar or similar features as plate 120 of FIG 1A and FIG 1B and / or first plate 220 of FIG 2A and FIG 2B.

[0052] The cage 310 can include a first (e.g., upper) surface 312 having a topography designed to mate with the topography of the lower (e.g., lower endplate) surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body and a second (e.g., lower) surface 314 having a topography designed to mate with the topography of the upper (e.g., upper endplate) surface S1 of the L5 vertebral body. In some embodiments, the cage 310 includes a patient-specific geometry (e.g., size, shape, curvature, contour, morphology, topography, etc.) designed to mate with the patient's anatomy. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first (e.g., upper) surface 312 of the cage 310 can have a topography designed to mate with the topography of the lower surface S2 of the L4 vertebral body. When the patient is standing and the spine is generally straight, at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the area of ​​the first surface 312 contacts the lower surface S2 (e.g., forming a "near gap-free" interface) so that the cage 310 is generally evenly loaded across the cage 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface S2 has a generally "wavy" topography with several recesses and protrusions. Thus, the first surface 312 of the cage 310 has a generally "wavy" topography with a number of recesses and protrusions that mate with the generally wavy topography of the lower surface S2 to form a generally gap-free interface therebetween. The second (e.g., lower) surface 314 of the cage 310 can have a shape designed to mate with the shape of the upper surface S1 of the L5 vertebral body. When the patient is standing and the spine is generally straight, at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the area of ​​the second surface 314 may contact the lower surface S1 (e.g., form a "near gap-free" interface) so that the cage 310 is generally evenly loaded across the cage 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface S1 is generally flat. Thus, the second surface 314 of the cage 310 has a generally flat shape that mates with the generally flat shape of the upper surface S1, forming a generally gap-free interface therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 312 is shown slightly spaced from the lower surface S2, and the second surface 314 is shown slightly spaced from the upper surface S1 to more clearly show the topography of the various surfaces.However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, when the cage 310 is implanted in a patient, the first surface 312 can contact the lower surface S2 and / or the second surface 314 can contact the upper surface S1. In addition to improving the conformity of the cage 310, the matching topography can prevent, inhibit, or limit lateral movement of the cage 310 relative to one or both of the L4 and L5 vertebrae. For example, the topography can be designed to limit movement of the cage 310 to less than 5%, less than 2%, or less than 1% of the maximum length of the lower surface S2. In these and other embodiments, the intermediate portion 344 can be configured to support one or both of the L4 and L5 vertebrae in addition to or instead of the cage 310. The intermediate portion 344 can be configured to support a first portion of a load that is less than, equal to, or greater than a second portion of a load supported by the cage 310. For example, the intermediate portion 344 can be configured to support at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 60%, or another suitable percentage therebetween of the load applied to the implant 300 by one or both of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies.

[0053] Both the cage 310 and the plate 320 can have predetermined target positions where their patient-specific topographies are configured to mate with corresponding anatomical structures. For example, the cage 310 is shown in a first target position where its patient-specific topography aligns with the anatomical structure having the corresponding topography (e.g., the first and second faces 312, 314 align with the inferior and superior faces S2, S1, respectively). In some embodiments, the first target position can be generally centered between the lateral edges of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies, although other positions are possible. The plate 320 is shown in a second target position where the patient-specific topography of the plate 320 and / or one or more of its faces align with a portion / face of the patient's anatomical structure having the corresponding topography (e.g., the first contact surface 322 aligns with the anterior face S3, the second intermediate contact surface 346 aligns at least partially with the inferior face S1, etc.).

[0054] Positioning of cage 310 and plate 320 at their respective target locations is expected to optimize the benefits of implant 300 and / or reduce side effects associated with implant 300, for example, as described above. Additionally, positioning cage 310 at the first target location is expected to maximize contact between cage 310 and the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies, reducing the risk of the cage expelling from the disc space between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies.

[0055] The cage 310 can be coupled to the plate 320 via a connection mechanism 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection mechanism 330 is coupled to a middle portion 344 of the plate 320. Although in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the middle portion is shown having a gap between the middle portion and the cage 310, in other embodiments, the middle portion can contact the cage 310 when the cage 310 is coupled to the plate 320 via the connection mechanism 330. In such embodiments, the middle portion 344 can be dimensioned to have a length such that the middle portion 344 abuts or contacts the cage 310 when the cage 310 and the plate 320 are positioned at their respective target locations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the middle portion 344 can have a height that corresponds to the height of the cage 310 and / or the height of the intervertebral space (e.g., between the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies). When the middle portion 344 contacts the cage 310, it can at least partially prevent or inhibit movement (e.g., anterior movement) of the cage 310.

[0056] The connection mechanism 330 can include a rigid or semi-rigid interface. The connection mechanism 330 is described in PCT Application No. PCT / US21 / 59837, entitled "PATIENT-SPECIFIC VERTEBRAL IMPLANTS WITH POSITIONING FEATURES," filed November 18, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, and as described in more detail below with respect to Figures 4 and 5, the connection mechanism 330 can include a rigid connection including, for example, one or more screws (e.g., bone screws), bolts (e.g., lug blots, carriage bolts, hex bolts, machine screws, wood screws, etc.), rigid metal arms, etc. The semi-rigid connection can include a semi-rigid metal arm (e.g., a slotted arm, a flexible arm, etc.), an arm with a cutout or bend point, etc. In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 330 can be a key and slot mechanism, a magnet, a rivet, a tether, or other suitable fastening element. In some embodiments, and as best shown in FIG. 3B, the plate 320 can include apertures 336 or other features to facilitate connection of the plate 320 to the cage 310. As described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 6, the cage 310 and the plate 320 are coupled via a connection mechanism 330 prior to delivery to the disc space. In other embodiments, and as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 7, the cage 310 and the plate 320 can be delivered to the disc space in an uncoupled state, and the connection mechanism 330 can be used to mechanically couple the cage 310 and the plate 320 once both are implanted.

[0057] The spatial relationship (e.g., one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional) of the cage 310 relative to the plate 320 depends at least in part on the connection mechanism 330. As described in more detail below, the desired spatial relationship between the cage 310 and the plate 320 after implantation depends on the relative locations of the first target location (e.g., the target location of the cage 310) and the second target location (e.g., the target location of the plate 320). Thus, the connection mechanism 330 can be designed to connect the cage 310 to the plate 320 to form a particular dimensional spatial relationship that simultaneously allows the cage 310 to occupy the first target location and the plate 320 to occupy the second target location. For example, the connection mechanism 330 can be in the form of a flexible tether that maintains the one-dimensional spatial relationship (e.g., the maximum distance from the cage to the plate 320). As another example, the connection mechanism 330 can be a semi-rigid arm that can bend downward and upward to allow a desired level of flexion of the spine. The semi-rigid arms can maintain a two-dimensional relationship between the cage 310 and the plate 320 to limit or prevent lateral movement of the cage 310 .

[0058] Although plate 320 is shown in FIG. 3B as having a width or lateral dimension less than the width of cage 310, in other embodiments, the plate can have a width equal to and / or greater than the width of cage 310. For example, in at least some embodiments, plate 320 can extend across the entire width of the cage and / or adjacent vertebrae. In such embodiments, connection mechanism 330 and / or intermediate portion 344 can have a width equal to or less than the width of plate 320, e.g., allowing connection mechanism 330 and / or intermediate portion 344 to contact the entire side (e.g., the entire anterior side) of cage 310. This can reduce or prevent anterior movement of cage 310 when implanted in a target location.

[0059] In some embodiments, implant 300 can include a plurality of plates at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to plate 320, and each of the plurality of plates can be coupled to cage 310 by a connection mechanism. In some embodiments, implant 300 can include a plurality of plates and a plurality of corresponding cages at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to cage 310, and each of the plates can be coupled to a corresponding cage by a connection mechanism.

[0060] Although the implants in FIGS. 1A-3B are shown as being implanted relative to particular vertebral bodies (e.g., implant 100 is shown relative to L4 and L5 vertebral bodies), the implants described herein can be designed to be implanted relative to and / or between other vertebral bodies, including vertebral bodies in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions (e.g., S1-L4, L2-T12, C3-C4, etc.). Additionally, although the implants shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B include "cages" and "plates," the present technology is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the present technology can include other types of interbody devices and orthopedic implants. Additionally, the implants described herein are designed to fit the anatomy of an individual patient, and therefore the size, shape and geometry of the implants will vary depending on the anatomy of an individual patient. Thus, the present technology is not limited to a particular implant design or configuration, and thus can include other implants than those expressly shown or described herein.

[0061] 4 is a partial schematic top view of a patient-specific implant 400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The implant 400 can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to any of the patient-specific implants 100, 200, 300 previously described herein. For example, the implant 400 can include an interbody element or cage 410, a positioning element or plate 420, and a connection mechanism 430 configured to couple the cage 410 to the plate 420. The cage 410, the plate 420, and / or the connection mechanism 430 can have patient-specific features (e.g., geometry, topography, etc.), such as any of the patient-specific features previously described herein. The plate 420 can have one or more apertures 424 extending between a first (e.g., outer surface) 423 and a second (e.g., inner surface) 422. Once implant 400 is implanted in a patient, one or more screws (not shown) can be inserted through aperture 424 and secured to the anatomical structure (eg, screwed into one or more vertebral bodies).

[0062] As shown, certain aspects of the connection mechanism 430 may be integral with the plate 420. For example, the plate 420 may be connected to or include an integral protrusion 432 (e.g., an arm, extension, lever, etc.) that extends laterally from the plate 420. In some embodiments, the integral protrusion 432 may be at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to the intermediate protrusion 144 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The protrusion 432 may have a hollow interior that defines a lumen or other opening 434 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4) that aligns with an aperture 436 extending through the plate 420. As described below, a screw or other fastening element (e.g., a lug blot, a carriage bolt, a hex bolt, a machine screw, a wood screw, etc.) may be inserted into the lumen 434 through the aperture 436. A distal end of the protrusion 432 may fit within a corresponding recess or receiving feature 416 of the cage 410. Recess 416, in some embodiments, can include a receiver 417 defining a threaded female connector for receiving a corresponding threaded male connector inserted through protrusion 432 via lumen 434. For example, receiver 417 can be aligned with lumen 434 when protrusion 432 advances into recess 416, such that a screw or other fastening element can be inserted through aperture 436 in plate 420, advance through lumen 434 of protrusion 432, and secured (e.g., threadably secured) to receiver 417, thereby securing plate 420 to cage 410.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the connection mechanism 430 can couple the plate 420 to the cage 410 using other suitable mechanisms. For example, in some embodiments, the receiver 417 can include one or more magnets that attach to a distal end of the protrusion 432 when inserted into the recess 416 to magnetically couple the plate 420 to the cage 410. As another example, the connection mechanism 430 can utilize a key and slot mechanism, where the protrusion can include one or more key features configured to releasably engage with one or more slot features in the recess 416 to releasably couple the plate 420 to the cage 410. In still other embodiments, the plate 420 can be coupled to the cage 410 using rivets, tethers, or other suitable connection mechanisms.

[0064] In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 430 can form a rigid (e.g., inelastic) interface between the plate 420 and the cage 410 that minimizes and / or reduces distortion in response to an external stress. For example, the connection mechanism 430 can be rigid to maintain a predetermined three-dimensional orientation between the cage 410 and the plate 420 even when one or both of the cage 410 or the plate 420 are subjected to mechanical stress. In embodiments in which the connection mechanism 430 is rigid, the connection mechanism 430 can include one or more metal screws or bolts that extend substantially the entire length of the projection 432.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 430 can form a semi-rigid interface between the plate 420 and the cage 410 to minimize distortion in response to external stresses while allowing some relative motion between the plate 420 and the cage 410 to account for changes in the patient's anatomy during patient movement. For example, in some embodiments, the connection mechanism 430 can allow for up to 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, etc. of motion in at least one plane of motion. In embodiments in which the connection mechanism 430 is semi-rigid, one or more aspects of the connection mechanism 430 (e.g., the protrusions 432) can be at least partially constructed from an elastic or flexible material (e.g., Nitinol, silicone, rubber, etc.) and / or can include one or more motion segments or joints.

[0066] Regardless of its configuration, the connection mechanism 430 provides a specific (e.g., patient-specific) three-dimensional spatial relationship / orientation between the plate 420 and the cage 410 when the plate 420 is coupled to the cage 410 via the connection mechanism 430. Thus, the protrusions 432, recesses 416, and other associated features can be designed such that when the plate 420 is secured to the cage 410, the plate 420 and the cage 410 assume a predetermined orientation and / or position relative to one another. For example, the cage 410 is designed to be implanted at a first target location and the plate 420 is designed to be implanted at a second target location, such that coupling the plate 420 to the cage 410 causes the plate 420 and the cage 410 to assume an orientation that allows the cage 410 to be at the first target location while allowing the plate 420 to be at the first target location. As a result, as described in more detail below, by coupling plate 420 to cage 410 when plate 420 is in the second target position, plate 420 and cage 410 can be automatically positioned in these predetermined orientations / positions, thereby moving cage 410 to occupy the first target position.

[0067] 5 is a partial schematic top view of a patient-specific implant 500 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The implant 500 can be generally similar to any of the patient-specific implants previously described. For example, the implant 500 can include an interbody element or cage 510, a positioning element or plate 520, and a connection mechanism 530 configured to couple the cage 510 to the plate 520. The cage 510, the plate 520, and / or the connection mechanism 530 can have patient-specific features (e.g., geometry, topography, etc.), such as any of the patient-specific features previously described herein. The plate 520 can have one or more apertures 524 extending between a first surface (e.g., an outer surface) 523 and a second surface (e.g., an inner surface) 522. When the implant 500 is implanted in a patient, one or more screws can be inserted through the apertures 524 and secured to the anatomical structure (e.g., screwed into one or more vertebral bodies).

[0068] Similar to the connection mechanism 430 of the implant 400, certain aspects of the connection mechanism 430 may be integral with the plate 420. For example, the plate 520 may be connected to or include an integral protrusion 532 (e.g., an arm, extension, lever, etc.) extending laterally from the plate 520. The protrusion 532 may be generally similar to or the same as the intermediate protrusion 144 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The protrusion 532 may have a hollow interior defining a lumen or other opening 534 aligned with the aperture 536 of the plate 520. Unlike the connection mechanism 430 of the implant 400, the cage 510 does not include a recess for slidably receiving the distal end of the protrusion 532. Rather, the cage 510 includes a threaded receiver 517 defining a threaded female connector for receiving a corresponding threaded male connector. Threaded receiver 517 extends inwardly from an outer surface of cage 510 (as opposed to extending inwardly from a recess such as recess 416 shown in FIG. 4). Once protrusion 532 is generally aligned with threaded receiver 517, a screw or other fastening element (not shown) can be inserted through aperture 536 in plate 520, passed through lumen 534 in protrusion 532, and threadedly secured to threaded receiver 517 to secure plate 520 to cage 510.

[0069] In some embodiments, the connection mechanism 530 can form a rigid (e.g., inelastic) and / or semi-rigid connection interface between the plate 520 and the cage 510 that minimizes and / or reduces distortion in response to an external stress. For example, the connection mechanism 530 can maintain a predetermined three-dimensional orientation between the cage 510 and the plate 520 even when one or both of the cage 510 or the plate 520 are subjected to mechanical stress.

[0070] Similar to the connecting mechanism 430, the connecting mechanism 530 provides a specific (e.g., patient-specific) three-dimensional spatial relationship / orientation between the plate 520 and the cage 510. Thus, the protrusions 532, threaded receivers 517, and other associated features can be designed with an orientation such that when the plate 520 is secured to the cage 510, the plate 520 and the cage 510 assume a predetermined orientation and position relative to each other. In particular, since the cage 510 is designed to be implanted at a first target location and the plate 520 is designed to be implanted at a second target location, by coupling the plate 520 to the cage 510, the plate 520 and the cage 510 assume an orientation that allows the cage 510 to be at the first target location while allowing the plate 520 to be at the first target location. As a result, as described in more detail below, coupling plate 520 to cage 510 when plate 520 is in a second target position can force plate 520 and cage 510 into a predetermined orientation and direct cage 510 to occupy the first target position.

[0071] III. Methods for Implanting Patient-Specific Implants The present technology also provides methods for implanting a patient-specific vertebral body device at a target area or adjacent to a patient's spine. Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method 600 for implanting a patient-specific vertebral body implant having an ex vivo assembled cage and plate. Method 600 can include any of the implants, plates, and / or cages described herein.

[0072] Method 600 may include, at step 602, coupling a plate to a cage to form, for example, a patient-specific implant. The plate may be coupled to the cage via any of the connection mechanisms described herein. Step 604 is performed before the implant is implanted in a patient and may be performed by the surgeon, the surgical robotic platform, and / or a surgeon assisted by the surgical robotic platform. In some embodiments, for example, the plate and cage are manufactured as separate components and coupled together in the operating room as part of a pre-operative or other ex vivo procedure. In other embodiments, the plate and cage may be manufactured in a coupled state (e.g., the plate and cage may be unitary structures or integral components). In such embodiments, step 602 may be omitted. In any case, once coupled, the cage and plate may assume a predefined three-dimensional orientation that allows the cage to simultaneously occupy a cage target location in which the cage at least partially contacts a first anatomical structure and a plate target location in which the plate at least partially contacts a second anatomical structure.

[0073] The method 600 proceeds at step 604 with delivering an implant to an implant target area at or near the patient's spine. In some embodiments, the implant target area can be proximate to a cage target location and / or a plate target location. Thus, once the implant is delivered to the implant target area, the plate can be moved to the plate target location and / or the cage can be moved to the cage target location. Step 604 can be performed by a surgeon, a surgical robotic platform, and / or a surgeon assisted by a surgical robotic platform.

[0074] In step 606, the plate can be moved to the plate target location. This can be done by the surgeon, the surgical robotic platform, and / or the surgeon assisted by the surgical robotic platform. In some embodiments, the surgeon performing or otherwise assisting the surgery can directly visualize the plate target location, allowing the surgeon to accurately place the plate at the plate target location. In some embodiments, the plate has a patient-specific topography / geometry configured to mate with the second anatomical structure at the plate target location, so that the surgeon will know when the plate is at the plate target location based on the physical interaction between the plate and the second anatomical structure (e.g., the plate "fits" the second anatomical structure when placed at the plate target location). In some embodiments, the plate can be secured to the plate target location by inserting a screw or other fastening element into the second anatomical structure through one or more apertures in the plate.

[0075] Since the plate is coupled to the cage in a predetermined three-dimensional orientation, positioning the plate at the plate target position automatically positions the cage at the cage target position. Thus, positioning the plate at the plate target position also positions (e.g., automatically positions) the cage at the first target position. Without being bound by theory, positioning the cage and the plate at their respective target positions is expected to optimize the benefits of the implant and / or minimize side effects. In particular, the full benefits of the implant can only be realized if the implant is accurately positioned at the target position. Method 600 can optionally proceed to verify, in step 608, that the cage is at the cage target position. The position of the cage can be verified using one or more conventional imaging techniques known in the art (e.g., X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.).

[0076] 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for implanting a patient-specific spinal implant having a plate and a cage that is at least partially assembled in vivo. Method 700 can include implanting a patient-specific implant having a cage and a plate, such as any of the implants, plates, and / or cages described above.

[0077] In step 702, a cage is delivered to a location proximate a cage target location, and in step 704, a plate is delivered to a location proximate a plate target location. The cage can be configured to mate with a first anatomical structure at the cage target location, and the plate can be configured to mate with a second anatomical structure at a second target location. However, unlike as described above with respect to method 600, in method 700, the cage and plate are not bonded together prior to delivering the cage to the target location. Without being bound by theory, it is expected that delivering the cage and plate unbonded will improve maneuverability of these components and / or reduce the size of the surgical corridor required to deliver these components to the spinal region.

[0078] The method 700 may proceed to positioning the plate at the plate target location at step 706. This may also be performed by the surgeon, the surgical robotic platform, and / or a surgeon assisted by the surgical robotic platform. In some embodiments, the surgeon performing or otherwise assisting the surgery may directly visualize the second target location, allowing the surgeon to accurately position the plate at the second target location. In some embodiments, the plate has a patient-specific topography / geometry configured to mate with the second anatomical structure at the plate target location, so that the surgeon will know when the plate is at the plate target location based on the physical interaction between the plate and the second anatomical structure (e.g., the plate "fits" the second anatomical structure when placed at the plate target location). In some embodiments, the plate may be secured to the plate target location by inserting a screw or other fastening element into the second anatomical structure through one or more apertures in the plate.

[0079] Once the plate is at the plate target location, the method 700 proceeds to couple (e.g., mechanically couple) the plate to the cage at step 708. The plate can be coupled to the cage using any of the connection mechanisms previously described herein. Since the plate and cage assume a predefined three-dimensional orientation when coupled, coupling the plate to the cage when the plate is positioned at the plate target location commands the cage to occupy the cage target location. Thus, coupling the plate to the cage positions (e.g., automatically positions) the cage at the cage target location. In some embodiments, steps 706 and 708 may be reversed, such that the plate is coupled to the cage before positioning the plate at the plate target location. In such an embodiment, once the cage and plate are coupled, positioning the plate at the plate target location commands the cage to occupy the cage target location. As previously discussed, positioning the cage and plate at their respective target locations is expected to optimize the benefits of the implant and / or minimize side effects. In particular, the full benefits of the implant can only be realized if the implant is accurately positioned at the target location. Method 700 may optionally proceed to verify that the cage is in the cage target position and / or verify that the plate is in the plate target position, at step 710. The position of the cage and / or plate may be verified using one or more conventional imaging techniques known in the art (e.g., x-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.).

[0080] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, the techniques of the present invention can utilize the patient-specific nature of the implant components (e.g., plate and cage) to facilitate positioning of the cage at the cage target location. For example, because the cage and plate are coupled together in a predetermined three-dimensional orientation, positioning the plate at the plate target location guides the cage toward and / or at the cage target location. Thus, positioning the plate at the plate target location also positions the cage at the cage target location. In general, it can be easier for a surgeon to position the plate at the plate target location than positioning the cage at the cage target location. For example, plates are typically positioned along the anterior surface of the spine and / or at the anterior edge of the disc space, which are generally visible to the surgeon, whereas cages are typically positioned at locations within the disc space that are outside the surgeon's field of vision. Thus, by mechanically coupling the plate and cage in a predetermined three-dimensional orientation, the surgeon can easily position the plate at a plate target location that is easily visible, simplifying the implant surgery. The patient-specific nature of the implant provides additional benefits, such as improved fit, improved outcomes, and / or reduced side effects, as previously described.

[0081] IV. SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, AND IMPLANTING PATIENT-SPECIFIC IMPLANTS The present technology also provides systems and methods for designing and manufacturing patient-specific implants, such as any of the patient-specific vertebral implants described herein. FIG. 8 is a network diagram illustrating a computing system 800 configured in accordance with selected embodiments of the present technology for providing patient-specific medical care. The system 800 is configured to design patient-specific implants and / or generate patient-specific surgical plans for patients. For example, the system 800 can generate implants and / or generate surgical plans for patients suffering from orthopedic or spinal diseases or disorders, such as trauma (e.g., fractures), cancer, deformity, degeneration, pain (e.g., back pain, leg pain), irregular spinal curvature (e.g., scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis), irregular spinal displacement (e.g., osteoarthritis, lateral displacement axial displacement), osteoarthritis, lumbar degenerative discopathy, cervical degenerative discopathy, lumbar spinal stenosis, cervical spinal stenosis, or combinations thereof. The surgical plan can include surgical information, surgical plans (e.g., surgical implant procedures, target implant locations and / or orientations, etc.), technique recommendations (e.g., device and / or instrument recommendations), and / or medical device designs. For example, the surgical plan can include at least one treatment procedure (e.g., surgical procedure or intervention) and / or at least one medical device (e.g., an implantation medical device (also referred to herein as an "implant" or "implantation device") or an implant delivery instrument).

[0082] The system 800 includes a computing device 802, which may be a user device such as a smartphone, a mobile device, a laptop, a desktop, a personal computer, a tablet, a phablet, or other such devices known in the art. As discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 9, the computing device 802 may include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the selection methods described herein. The computing device 802 may be associated with a healthcare provider treating a patient. Although FIG. 8 illustrates a single computing device 802, in alternative embodiments, the computing device 802 may instead be implemented as a computing system encompassing multiple computing devices, such that operations described herein with respect to the computing device 802 may instead be performed by the computing system and / or the multiple computing devices.

[0083] The computing device 802 is configured to receive a patient dataset 808 associated with a patient to be treated. The patient dataset 808 may include data representative of the patient's medical condition, anatomical structure, pathological structure, symptoms, medical history, preferences, and / or any other information or parameters associated with the patient. For example, the patient dataset 808 may include surgical intervention data, treatment outcome data, progress data (e.g., physician's notes), patient feedback (e.g., quality of life questionnaires, feedback obtained using surveys), clinical data, patient information (e.g., demographics, gender, age, height, weight, type of pathology, occupation, activity level, tissue information, health assessment, comorbidities, health-related quality of life (HRQL)), vital signs, diagnosis results, medication information, allergies, imaging data (e.g., camera images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, ultrasound images, computer-aided tomography (CAT) scan images, positron emission tomography (PET) images, x-ray images), diagnostic equipment information (e.g., manufacturer, model number, specifications, user-selected settings / configuration, etc.), or the like. In some embodiments, the patient dataset 808 includes data representing one or more of the following: patient identification number (ID), age, sex, body mass index (BMI), lumbar lordosis, Cobb angle, pelvic incidence angle, disc height, segment flexibility, bone quality, rotational displacement, and / or spinal treatment level.

[0084] In some embodiments, the computing device 802 can also be configured to receive a surgical team dataset 810. The surgical team dataset 810 can include data representative of a surgical team performing a procedure on a patient. For example, the surgical team dataset 810 can include preferences of the surgical team (e.g., preferred implant technique, preferred implant instruments / tools, etc.), experience of the surgical team (e.g., previous procedures performed by the surgical team), scored outcomes of previous procedures performed by the surgical team, or the like. As used herein, the term "surgical team" can refer to a group of medical personnel working together in an operating room during an implant procedure, or one or more individual surgeons.

[0085] In some embodiments, the computing device 802 can also be configured to receive a facility or provider dataset 812. The facility dataset 812 can include data describing the facility where the patient's surgery will be performed. For example, the facility dataset 812 can include facility preferences (e.g., preferred implant technique, preferred implant instruments / tools, etc.), facility experience (e.g., past procedures performed at the facility), scored outcomes of past procedures performed at the facility, infrastructure available to support / perform the surgery (e.g., availability of a robotic surgery platform and the type of "input" required to control the "output" of the robotic surgery platform), or the like. As used herein, the term "facility" can refer to a single operating room facility, a hospital with multiple operating rooms, and / or a network of hospitals.

[0086] The computing device 802 is operatively connected to the server 806 via a communication network 804, thus enabling data transfer between the computing device 802 and the server 806. The communication network 804 can be a wired network and / or a wireless network. If the communication network 804 is wireless, it can be implemented using communication technologies such as visible light communication (VLC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE), wireless local area network (WLAN), infrared (IR) communication, public switched telephone network (PSTN), radio waves, and / or other communication technologies known in the art.

[0087] Server 806, which may also be referred to as a "treatment support network" or a "prescriptive analytics network," may include one or more computing devices and / or systems. As discussed further herein, server 806 may include one or more processors and memory that stores instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the methods described herein. In some embodiments, server 806 is implemented as a distributed "cloud" computing system or facility across any suitable combination of hardware and / or virtual computing resources.

[0088] The computing device 802 and / or server 806 can design a patient-specific implant ("implant") based at least in part on the patient dataset 808, the surgical team dataset 810, and / or the facility dataset 812. For example, the server 806 can include a treatment planning module 818 that can design the implant based at least in part on any of the aforementioned data inputs. In some embodiments, designing the implant includes designing a vertebral implant including a plate and / or a cage, such as any of the implants described with respect to FIGS. 1A-5, configured to mate with one or more corresponding target anatomical structures. The computing device 802 and / or server 806 can design an interbody device (e.g., a cage). The computing device 802 and / or server 806 can design a vertebral implant (e.g., a cage), a positioning feature (e.g., a plate), a connection mechanism, and / or one or more fastening elements (e.g., a screw). For example, to design the connection mechanism, a target location for the cage can be determined by analyzing images of the patient. The patient's spine can be analyzed to identify suitable target sites for the plates. For example, individual vertebral bodies of a patient's spine can be analyzed to identify regions that have suitable geometry and mechanical properties for interfacing with a plate. The computing device 802 and / or server 806 can design an implant (e.g., a plate) based on the level of movement (e.g., maximum level of relative movement) between the plate, vertebral bodies, and / or cage. Target spatial relationships between components of the implant can be determined based on patient data and target outcomes.

[0089] Additional implants include, but are not limited to, screws (e.g., bone screws, spinal screws, intervertebral screws, facet screws), other interbody implant devices, rods, discs, fusion devices, spacers, rods, expandable devices, stents, brackets, ties, scaffolds, fixation devices, anchors, nuts, bolts, rivets, connectors, tethers, fasteners, joint replacements (e.g., artificial discs), hip implants, etc. Patient-specific implant designs can include data describing one or more of the implant's physical properties (e.g., size, shape, volume, material, mass, weight), mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness, strength, modulus, hardness), and / or biological properties (e.g., osteointegration, cell adhesion, antibacterial properties, antiviral properties). For example, orthopedic implant designs can include the implant's shape, size, material, and / or effective stiffness (e.g., lattice density, number of struts, location of struts, etc.).

[0090] The implant can be designed to fit the patient's existing anatomy. For example, the implant can be designed such that various surfaces of the implant mate with corresponding surfaces of the patient's anatomy, as described above. In some embodiments, the implant can be designed to provide correction to the patient's existing anatomy in addition to mating with one or more surfaces of the patient's anatomy. For example, the treatment planning module 818 can analyze image data of the patient's native anatomy to determine whether an anatomical modification is necessary. The image data can indicate the patient's native anatomical configuration (e.g., pre-operative anatomical configuration), such as the shape, orientation, and topography of various anatomical features. In some embodiments, for example, the image data can indicate (and / or be used to determine) various anatomical characteristics, including, but not limited to, vertebral spacing, vertebral orientation, vertebral translation, abnormal bone growth, abnormal joint growth, joint inflammation, joint degeneration, tissue degeneration, stenosis, scar tissue, lumbar lordosis, Cobb angle, pelvic incidence, intervertebral disc height, segment flexibility, rotational displacement, and other spinal tissue characteristics. If no anatomical modification is required, the treatment planning module 818 can design the implant to match the patient's native anatomy. If an anatomical modification is required, the treatment planning module 818 can design the implant to provide the anatomical modification when the implant is implanted in the patient. Additional details for designing patient-specific implants to provide one or more desired anatomical modifications are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 987,113, filed August 6, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0091] In some embodiments, the generated implant design is a design for the entire device. Alternatively, the generated design can be for one or more components of the device (e.g., a plate or cage) rather than the entire device. In some embodiments, the implant design is for one or more patient-specific device components that can be used with standard off-the-shelf components. For example, in spinal surgery, a pedicle screw kit can include both standard components and patient-specific customized components. In some embodiments, the generated design is for a patient-specific medical device that can be used with standard off-the-shelf delivery instruments. For example, the implant (e.g., screw, screw holder, rod) can be designed and manufactured for the patient, but the instruments for delivering the implant can be standard instruments. This approach allows the components to be designed and manufactured to be implanted based on the patient's anatomy and / or surgeon's preferences to enhance treatment. The implants described herein are expected to improve delivery into the patient's body, placement at the treatment site, and / or interaction with the patient's anatomy.

[0092] The computing system 802 and / or server 806 may also design a patient-specific surgical plan ("surgical plan") based on the patient dataset 808, the surgical team dataset 810, and / or the facility dataset 812. The surgical plan may include detailed procedures for implanting an implant at a particular target location within a patient. For example, the surgical plan may include a pre-operative plan (e.g., detecting and measuring the patient's anatomy, preparing the patient for the surgical procedure, etc.), a surgical procedure, a surgical approach (e.g., an implant procedure), one or more surgical steps (preparing tissue for incision, making the incision, making the resection, removing tissue, manipulating tissue, performing a revision operation, delivering the implant to the target site, deploying the implant at the target site, adjusting the implant at the target site, post-implant operations of the implant, securing the implant at the target site, removing the implant, suturing tissue, etc.), a target location, site, or location of the implant (e.g., location, orientation, etc.), and other aspects related to pre-operative, post-operative, or post-operative planning.

[0093] In some embodiments, the surgical plan includes orthopedic surgery such as spine surgery, hip surgery, knee surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, wrist surgery, shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, total joint reconstruction (arthroplasty), skull reconstruction, foot surgery, or ankle surgery. Spinal surgery includes spinal fusion procedures such as posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), translateral interbody fusion (TLIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF), far lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF), and / or sacroiliac joint fusion (SLIF). Spinal surgery can also include non-fusion procedures such as artificial disc replacement. In some embodiments, the surgical procedure includes instructions and / or instructions for performing one or more aspects of a patient-specific surgical procedure. For example, the surgical procedure can include one or more of a surgical approach, a corrective operation, or a bone resection.

[0094] In some embodiments, the surgical plan includes a target location for the implant. In some embodiments, the surgical plan optionally includes a recommendation to remove tissue to make room for the implant at the target location. For example, the surgical plan can include instructions to perform an osteotomy, muscle resection, soft tissue release, soft tissue retraction, discectomy, or to prepare the patient to receive a patient-specific implant. In some embodiments, the surgical plan includes manipulation of tissue to prepare the patient to receive an implant. For example, the surgical plan can include instructions to adjust the relative position of two vertebrae, instructions to increase the distance between two vertebrae, and / or such instructions.

[0095] In some embodiments, the surgical plan includes machine-readable instructions for performing various steps of the surgical plan. The machine-readable instructions can be configured such that, when executed by the surgical robotic platform, the machine-readable instructions cause the surgical robotic platform to perform various aspects of a surgical procedure related to implantation of an implant. For example, the surgical platform can prepare tissue for incision, make incisions, make resections, remove tissue, manipulate tissue, perform corrective operations, deliver an implant to a target site, deploy an implant at a target site, adjust the configuration of an implant at a target site, manipulate an implant after it is implanted, secure an implant at a target site, remove an implant, suture tissue, and the like. Thus, the instructions can include specific instructions for articulating the robotic arms, instruments, and / or tools to perform or otherwise assist in the delivery of a patient-specific implant.

[0096] In some embodiments, the surgical plan includes step-by-step written, verbal, and / or graphical instructions that show the surgeon how to execute the patient-specific surgical plan. The patient-specific surgical plan can be displayed to the surgeon (e.g., via display 822) prior to and / or during the surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the written, verbal, and / or graphical instructions can be encoded with computer readable instructions. The encoded instructions can be decoded and displayed to the surgeon prior to and / or during the surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the patient-specific surgical plan includes both machine readable instructions and written, verbal, and / or graphical instructions.

[0097] In some embodiments, the system 800 can consider one or more reference data sets when designing a patient-specific implant and / or a patient-specific surgical plan. For example, in some embodiments, the server 806 includes at least one database 820 configured to store reference data useful for the treatment planning methods described herein. The reference data can include historical and / or clinical data from the same or other patients, data collected from previous surgeries and / or other treatments of the patient by the same or other healthcare providers, data related to medical device design, data collected from a research group or groups, data from clinical databases, data from academic institutions, data from implant manufacturers or other medical device manufacturers, data from imaging studies, data from simulations, clinical trials, demographic data, treatment data, outcome data, mortality, or the like.

[0098] In some embodiments, the database 820 includes a plurality of reference patient data sets, each patient reference data set associated with a corresponding reference patient. For example, the reference patients can be patients who have previously been treated or patients currently undergoing treatment. Each reference patient data set can include data representative of the corresponding reference patient's condition, anatomical structure, pathological structure, medical history, preferences, and / or other information or parameters related to the reference patient, such as any of the data described herein with respect to the patient data set 808. In some embodiments, the reference patient data set includes pre-operative data, intra-operative data, and / or post-operative data. For example, the reference patient data set can include data representative of one or more of a patient ID, age, sex, BMI, lumbar lordosis, Cobb angle, pelvic incidence, disc height, segment flexibility, bone quality, rotational displacement, and / or spinal treatment level. As another example, the reference patient data set can include treatment data for at least one treatment procedure performed on the reference patient, such as a description of a surgical procedure or intervention (e.g., a surgical approach, a bone resection, a surgical operation, a corrective operation, a placement of an implant or other device). In some embodiments, the treatment data includes medical device design data of at least one medical device used to treat the reference patient, such as physical properties (e.g., size, shape, volume, material, mass, weight), mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness, strength, modulus, hardness), and / or biological properties (e.g., osteointegration, cell adhesion, antibacterial properties, antiviral properties). In yet another example, the reference patient dataset can include outcome data describing the results of the treatment of the reference patient, such as corrected anatomical metrics, union or nonunion, HRQL, activity level, return to work, complications, recovery time, efficacy, mortality, and / or follow-up surgery.

[0099] In some embodiments, the server 806 receives at least a portion of the reference patient datasets from a plurality of healthcare provider computing systems. Each healthcare provider computing system may include at least one reference patient dataset (e.g., a reference patient dataset) associated with a reference patient treated by the corresponding healthcare provider. The reference patient datasets may include, for example, kinematic records, electronic medical records, electronic health records, biomedical datasets, etc.

[0100] In embodiments where the implant and / or surgical plan is designed based on reference data, the data analysis module 816 may include one or more algorithms to identify a subset of reference data from the database 820 that is likely to be useful for developing a treatment plan. For example, the data analysis module 816 may compare the patient-specific data (e.g., the patient data set 808 received from the computing device 802) with reference data (e.g., a reference patient data set) from the database 820 to identify similar data (e.g., one or more similar patient data sets within the reference patient data set). The comparison may be based on one or more parameters such as age, sex, BMI, pathology, kinematics, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence rate, and / or treatment level. The parameters may be used to calculate a similarity score for each reference patient. The similarity score may represent a statistical correlation between the patient data set 808 and the reference patient data set. Thus, similar patients may be identified based on whether the similarity score is above, below, or at a specified threshold. For example, as described in more detail below, the comparison can be performed by assigning a value to each parameter and determining an aggregate difference between the subject patient and each reference patient. Reference patients whose aggregated difference is below a threshold can be considered similar patients. In some embodiments, the data analysis module 816 includes one or more algorithms that select a set or subset of reference patient data based on criteria other than patient parameters, such as the surgical team dataset 810 (e.g., based on the expertise of the surgeon, the results of the particular type of procedure performed by the surgeon, etc.) and / or the facility dataset 812 (e.g., surgical equipment such as a surgical robot).

[0101] The data analysis module 816 may further comprise one or more algorithms for selecting a subset of the reference patient dataset based on, for example, similarity to the patient dataset 808 and / or treatment outcomes of corresponding reference patients. For example, the data analysis module 816 may identify one or more similar patient datasets in the reference patient dataset and select the subset of the similar patient datasets based on whether the similar patient datasets contain data indicative of favorable or desired treatment outcomes. The outcome data may include data representing one or more outcome parameters, such as corrected anatomical indices, range of motion, kinematic data, HRQL, activity level, complications, recovery time, efficacy, mortality, or follow-up surgery. In some embodiments, as described in more detail below, the data analysis module 816 calculates an outcome score by assigning a value to each outcome parameter. If the outcome score is above, below, or at a predefined threshold, the patient is considered to have a good outcome.

[0102] In some embodiments, the data analysis module 816 selects the subset of the reference patient dataset based at least in part on user input (e.g., from a clinician, surgeon, physician, health care provider). For example, the user input can be used in identifying similar patient datasets. In some embodiments, the weighting of the similarity and / or outcome parameters can be selected by the health care provider or physician to adjust the similarity and / or outcome score based on the clinician's input. In further embodiments, the health care provider or physician can select the set of similarity and / or outcome parameters (or define new similarity and / or outcome parameters) used to generate the similarity and / or outcome score, respectively.

[0103] In some embodiments, the data analysis module 816 includes one or more algorithms used to select a set or subset of reference patient datasets based on criteria other than patient parameters. For example, one or more algorithms can be used to select the subset based on provider parameters (e.g., based on provider rankings / scores, such as hospital / physician specialty, number of procedures performed, hospital rankings, etc.) and / or medical resource parameters (e.g., diagnostic equipment, facilities, surgical equipment, such as surgical robots), or other non-patient related information that can be used to predict the outcome and risk profile of a procedure for a current provider. For example, reference patient datasets with images captured from similar diagnostic equipment can be aggregated to reduce or limit irregularities due to variability between diagnostic equipment. Additionally, data from similar providers (e.g., providers that traditionally have similar outcomes, physician specialties, surgical teams, etc.) can be used to generate a patient-specific treatment plan for a particular provider. In some embodiments, reference provider datasets, hospital datasets, physician datasets, surgical team datasets, post-treatment datasets, and other datasets can be utilized. As an example, a patient-specific treatment plan for performing a battlefield surgery can be based on reference patient data from similar battlefield surgeries and / or datasets related to battlefield surgeries. In another example, a patient-specific treatment plan can be generated based on available robotic surgery systems. The reference patient dataset can be selected based on patients operated on using comparable robotic surgery systems under similar conditions (e.g., surgical team size and capabilities, hospital resources, etc.).

[0104] In embodiments where the implant and / or surgical plan is designed based on reference data, the treatment planning module 818 may include one or more algorithms that generate the implant and / or surgical plan based on the reference data. In some embodiments, the treatment planning module 818 is configured to develop and / or implement at least one predictive model for generating the treatment plan, also referred to as a "prescriptive model." The predictive model may be developed using clinical knowledge, statistics, machine learning, AI, neural networks, or the like. In some embodiments, the output from the data analysis module 816 is analyzed (e.g., using statistics, machine learning, neural networks, AI, etc.) to identify correlations between data sets, patient parameters, healthcare provider parameters, healthcare resource parameters, treatment protocols, medical device designs, and / or treatment outcomes. These correlations may be used to develop at least one predictive model that predicts the likelihood that the treatment plan will result in a favorable outcome for a particular patient. The predictive model may be validated, for example, by inputting data into the model and comparing the output of the model to an expected output.

[0105] In some embodiments, the treatment planning module 818 is configured to generate an implant design based on previous treatment data from a reference patient. For example, the treatment planning module 818 can receive a selected subset of the reference patient data set and / or similar patient data set from the data analysis module 816 and determine or identify treatment data from the selected subset. The treatment data can include, for example, range of motion and / or other kinematic data, treatment procedure data (e.g., surgical procedure or intervention data), and / or medical device design data (e.g., implant design data) associated with a preferred or desired treatment outcome for the corresponding patient. The treatment planning module 818 can analyze the treatment procedure data and / or medical device design data to determine an optimal treatment protocol for the treated patient. For example, values ​​can be assigned to the treatment procedures and / or medical device designs and tabulated to generate a treatment score. A patient-specific treatment plan can be determined by selecting a treatment plan based on a score (e.g., higher or highest score; lower or lowest score; score above, below, or at a specified threshold). The personalized treatment plan can be based, at least in part, on a patient-specific technique or a patient-specific selected technique.

[0106] Alternatively or in combination, the treatment planning module 818 can generate an implant design based on correlations between data sets. For example, the treatment planning module 818 can correlate implant design and medical device design data from implant designs for similar patients with good outcomes (e.g., as identified by the data analysis module 816). The correlation analysis can include converting the correlation coefficient values ​​into values ​​or scores. The values / scores can be aggregated, filtered, or otherwise analyzed to determine one or more statistical significances. These correlations can be used to determine treatment procedures and / or medical device designs that are likely to be optimal or produce favorable outcomes for the treated patient.

[0107] Alternatively or in combination, the treatment planning module 818 can generate the design using one or more AI techniques. AI techniques can be used to develop computing systems that can simulate aspects of human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, planning, problem solving, decision making, etc. AI techniques can include, but are not limited to, case-based reasoning, rule-based systems, artificial neural networks, decision trees, support vector machines, regression analysis, Bayesian networks (e.g., naive Bayes classifiers), genetic algorithms, cellular automata, fuzzy logic systems, multi-agent systems, swarm intelligence, data mining, machine learning (e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning), and hybrid systems.

[0108] In some embodiments, the treatment plan module 818 generates the treatment plan using one or more trained machine learning models. A wide variety of machine learning models, algorithms, and techniques are suitable for use with the techniques of the present invention. In some embodiments, the machine learning model is first trained on a training dataset, which is a dataset of examples used to fit the model's parameters (e.g., the connection weights between "neurons" in an artificial neural network). For example, the training dataset may include any of the reference data stored in the database 820, such as a plurality of reference patient datasets or a selected subset thereof (e.g., a plurality of similar patient datasets).

[0109] In some embodiments, a machine learning model (e.g., a neural network or a naive Bayes classifier) ​​can be trained on a training dataset using a supervised learning method (e.g., gradient descent or stochastic gradient descent). The training dataset can include pairs of generated "input vectors" and associated corresponding "answer vectors" (commonly denoted as targets). The current model is run with the training dataset to generate results for each input vector in the training dataset that are compared to the targets. Based on the results of the comparison and the particular learning algorithm being used, the parameters of the model are adjusted. Model fitting can include both variable selection and parameter estimation. The fitted model can be used to predict responses to observations in a second dataset, called the validation dataset. The validation dataset can provide an unbiased assessment of the model fit on the training dataset while tuning the model parameters. The validation dataset can be used for regularization by early stopping, e.g., stopping training when the error on the validation dataset increases. In some embodiments, the error in the validation dataset can vary during training, and ad-hoc rules can be used to determine when overfitting has truly begun. Finally, a test dataset can be used to provide an unbiased assessment of the fit of the final model to the training dataset.

[0110] To generate a treatment plan, the patient dataset 808, the surgical team dataset 810, and / or the facility dataset 812 can be input into the trained machine learning model. Additional data, such as a selected subset of the reference patient dataset and / or similar patient dataset, and / or treatment data from the selected subset, can also be input into the trained machine learning model. The trained machine learning model can then calculate whether various candidate treatment procedures and / or medical device designs are likely to result in a favorable outcome for the patient. Based on these calculations, the trained machine learning model can select at least one treatment plan for the patient. In embodiments where multiple trained machine learning models are used, the models can be run sequentially or simultaneously to compare results and can be periodically updated using the training dataset. The treatment plan module 818 can use one or more of the machine learning models based on the predictive accuracy scores of the models.

[0111] The implant design and / or surgical plan generated by the treatment planning module 818 can be transmitted to the computing device 802 via the communication network 804 for output to a user (e.g., a clinician, surgeon, healthcare provider, patient). In some embodiments, the computing device 802 includes or is operably coupled to a display 822. The display 822 can display various aspects of the surgical procedure to be performed on the patient, such as the surgical approach, treatment levels, revision operations, tissue resection, and / or implant placement. To facilitate visualization, a virtual model of the surgical procedure can be displayed. The display can also represent a virtual model of the patient's spine in its natural and / or corrected anatomical configuration. Virtual models of a patient's spine in its original and / or corrected anatomical configuration are discussed in more detail in PCT / US21 / 12065, entitled "PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on January 4, 2021 (Docket No. 127398-8009.WO00), the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0112] Additionally or alternatively, the display 822 may show the design of the implant, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional model of the device design. The display 822 may also display patient information, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image or model of the patient's anatomy where the surgical procedure will be performed and / or where the device will be implanted. The display 822 may also display structural features of the implant suitable for contacting the anatomy to improve treatment, reduce implant movement, etc. The structural features may be rigid surfaces (e.g., outer surfaces of the implant body), anchors, fixation features, etc. The image of the implantation site may be analyzed to identify such anatomical features identified by the treatment plan module 818. The computing device 802 may further include one or more user input devices (not shown) that allow a user to modify, select, accept, and / or reject the displayed treatment plan.

[0113] In some embodiments, the patient-specific implant design generated by the treatment planning module 818 can be transmitted from the computing device 802 and / or server 806 to a manufacturing system 824 for manufacturing the corresponding medical device. The manufacturing system 824 can be located on-site or off-site. On-site manufacturing can reduce the number of patient sessions and / or the time until a procedure can be performed, while off-site manufacturing is useful for manufacturing complex devices. Off-site manufacturing facilities can have specialized manufacturing equipment. In some embodiments, more complex device components can be manufactured off-site and simpler device components can be manufactured on-site.

[0114] Various types of manufacturing systems are suitable for use in accordance with embodiments herein. For example, the manufacturing system 824 can be configured for additive manufacturing, such as three-dimensional (3D) printing, stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), selective thermal sintering (SHM), electron beam melting (EBM), additive manufacturing (LOM), powder bed printing (PP), thermoplastic printing, direct material deposition (DMD), inkjet photo-resin printing, or similar techniques, or combinations thereof. Alternatively or in combination, the manufacturing system 824 can be configured for subtractive (conventional) manufacturing, such as CNC machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), grinding, laser cutting, waterjet machining, manual machining (e.g., milling, lathe / turning), or similar techniques, or combinations thereof. The manufacturing system 824 can manufacture one or more patient-specific medical devices based on manufacturing instructions or data (e.g., CAD data, 3D data, digital blueprints, stereolithography data, or other data suitable for the various manufacturing techniques described herein). In some embodiments, the patient-specific medical devices can include features, materials, and designs shared between designs to simplify manufacturing. For example, deployable patient-specific medical devices for different patients can have similar internal deployment mechanisms but different deployment configurations. In some embodiments, components of the patient-specific medical device are selected from a set of available prefabricated components, and the selected prefabricated components can be modified based on the manufacturing instructions or data.

[0115] The treatment plans described herein can be performed by a surgeon, a surgical robot, or a combination thereof, thus allowing for treatment flexibility. In some embodiments, the surgical procedure can be performed entirely by a surgeon, entirely by a surgical robot, or a combination thereof. For example, one stage of the surgical procedure can be performed manually by a surgeon and another stage of the surgical procedure can be performed by a surgical robot. In some embodiments, the treatment plan module 818 generates control instructions configured to cause a surgical robot (e.g., a robotic surgical system, a navigation system, etc.) to partially or completely perform the surgical procedure. The control instructions can be transmitted to the robotic device by the computing device 802 and / or the server 806.

[0116] After treating the patient according to the treatment plan, the treatment progress can be monitored over one or more time periods to update the data analysis module 816 and / or the treatment plan module 818. The post-treatment data can be added to the reference data stored in the database 820. The post-treatment data can be used to train machine learning models to develop patient-specific treatment plans, patient-specific medical devices, or a combination thereof.

[0117] It will be appreciated that the components of system 800 can be configured in many different ways. For example, in an alternative embodiment, database 820, data analysis module 816, and / or treatment planning module 818 can be components of computing device 802 rather than server 806. As another example, database 820, data analysis module 816, and / or treatment planning module 818 can be located across multiple different servers, computing systems, or other types of cloud computing resources rather than on a single server 806 or computing device 802.

[0118] Additionally, in some embodiments, system 800 is operable with numerous other computing system environments or configurations. Examples of computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use with the technology of the present invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, mobile phones, wearable electronics, tablet devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable appliances, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. In some embodiments, system 800 may include additional features and / or capabilities, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 735,222, filed January 6, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates a computing device 900 suitable for use in connection with the system 800 of FIG. 8, according to one embodiment. The computing device 900 may be incorporated into various components of the system 800 of FIG. 8, such as the computing device 802 or the server 806. The computing device 900 includes one or more processors 910 (e.g., CPU, GPU, HPU, etc.). The processor 910 may be a single processing unit or multiple processing units within a device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. The processor 910 may be coupled to other hardware devices, for example, through the use of a bus, such as a PCI bus or a SCSI bus. The processor 910 may be configured to execute one or more computer-readable program instructions, such as program instructions for performing any of the methods described herein.

[0120] Computing device 900 may include one or more input devices 920 that provide input to processor 910, for example, to communicate actions from a user of computing device 900. The actions may be mediated by a hardware controller that interprets signals received from the input devices and communicates the information to processor 910 using a communication protocol. Input devices 920 may include, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, an infrared sensor, a touch pad, a wearable input device, a camera or image-based input device, a microphone, or other user input device.

[0121] The computing device 900 may include a display 930 used to display various types of output, such as text, models, virtual procedures, surgical plans, implants, graphics, and / or images (e.g., images having voxels that indicate radiometric or Hounsfield units that represent the density of tissue at a location). In some embodiments, the display 930 provides graphical and textual visual feedback to the user. The processor 910 may communicate with the display 930 via a hardware controller for the device. In some embodiments, the display 930 includes an input device 920 as part of the display 930, such as when the input device 920 includes a touch screen or includes a gaze direction monitoring system. In alternative embodiments, the display 930 is separate from the input device 920. Examples of display devices include an LCD display screen, an LED display screen, a protrusion, a holographic display, or an augmented reality display (e.g., a head-up display device or a head-mounted device), etc.

[0122] Optionally, other I / O devices 940 may also be coupled to processor 910, such as network cards, video cards, audio cards, USB, Firewire or other external devices, cameras, printers, speakers, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives, disk drives, or Blu-ray devices. Other I / O devices 940 may also include input ports for information from directly connected medical equipment, such as imaging machines, including MRI machines, X-ray machines, CT machines, etc. Other I / O devices 940 may further include input ports for receiving data from these types of machines over a network or from other sources, such as previously captured data stored in a database.

[0123] In some embodiments, computing device 900 also includes a communications device (not shown) capable of wireless or wired-based communications with network nodes. The communications device can communicate with other devices or servers over the network using, for example, TCP / IP protocols. Computing device 900 can utilize the communications device to distribute operations across multiple network devices, including imaging devices, manufacturing devices, and the like.

[0124] The computing device 900 can include memory 950, which can be in a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The memory 950 can include one or more of various hardware devices for volatile and non-volatile storage, and can include both read-only and writeable memory. For example, the memory can include random access memory (RAM), various caches, CPU registers, read-only memory (ROM), and writeable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic storage devices, tape drives, device buffers, and the like. Memory is non-transitory because it is not a propagating signal separate from the underlying hardware. In some embodiments, the memory 950 is, for example, a program, software, data, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores the same. In some embodiments, the memory 950 can include program memory 960 that stores programs and software, such as an operating system 962, one or more therapeutic support modules 964, and other application programs 966. The treatment assistance module 964 can include one or more modules configured to perform various methods described herein (e.g., the data analysis module 816 and / or the treatment planning module 818 described with respect to FIG. 8). The memory 950 can also include a data memory 970 that can include, for example, reference data, configuration data, data sets, user options or preferences, and the like that can be provided to the program memory 960 or any other element of the computing device 900.

[0125] FIG. 10 illustrates various aspects of an operational setup configured in accordance with the techniques of the present invention. As illustrated, the operational setup can be used to implant a patient-specific prosthetic implant 1000 (which can be the same as or generally similar to the implants described with respect to FIGS. 1A-5) into a patient P using a robotic surgical platform 1050 (hereinafter referred to as "platform 1050"). The platform 1050 can be configured to perform or otherwise assist in one or more aspects of a surgical procedure including, for example, preparing tissue for incision, making incisions, making resections, removing tissue, manipulating tissue, performing revision operations, delivering an implant to a target site, deploying an implant at a target site, adjusting an implant at a target site, manipulating an implant once implanted, securing an implant at a target site, removing an implant, suturing tissue, etc. For example, the platform 1050 may support a variety of surgical instruments (e.g., graspers, clips, needles, needle drivers, irrigation instruments, suction instruments, staplers, screwdriver assemblies, etc.), imaging instruments (e.g., cameras, sensors, etc.), and / or medical devices (e.g., implant 1000), allowing the platform 1050 to perform one or more aspects of a surgical plan (e.g., positioning a cage, forming mechanical connections, placing positioning features, implanting plates, etc.). Although shown with one arm 1055, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the platform 1050 may have multiple arms (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more than 2 arms) and any number of joints, linkages, motors, and degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the platform 1050 has a first arm dedicated to holding one or more imaging instruments, while the remaining arms may hold various surgical instruments. In some embodiments, the tools may be releasably secured to the arms so that they may be selectively replaced before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The arms can be movable through various ranges of motion (eg, degrees of freedom) to provide appropriate dexterity for performing various aspects of a surgical procedure.

[0126] The platform 1050 can include a control module 1060 for controlling the movement of the arm 1055. In some embodiments, the control module 1060 includes a user input device (not shown) for controlling the movement of the arm 1055. The user input device can be a joystick, mouse, keyboard, touch screen, infrared sensor, touch pad, wearable input device, camera or image-based input device, microphone, or other user input device. A user (e.g., a surgeon) can interact with the user input device to control the movement of the arm 1055. In some embodiments, the control module 1060 includes one or more operators for executing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, automatically control the movement of the arm 1055. In such embodiments, the control module 1060 can receive machine-readable instructions specifying one or more steps of a surgical procedure that, when executed by the control module 1060, cause the platform 1050 to perform one or more steps of the surgical procedure. For example, the machine readable instructions may instruct the platform 1050 to prepare tissue for incision, make an incision, make a resection, remove tissue, manipulate tissue, perform a corrective operation, deliver the implant 1000 to a target site, deploy the implant 1000 at a target site, adjust a configuration of the implant 1000 at the target site, manipulate the implant 1000 once it is implanted, secure the implant 1000 at the target site, remove the implant 1000, suture tissue, and / or the like. The instructions may thus include specific instructions for articulating the arms 1055 to perform or otherwise assist in the delivery of a patient-specific implant.

[0127] If the surgical plan includes executable instructions, the platform 1050 can execute the instructions to perform at least a portion of the surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the platform 1050 can generate executable instructions based on the surgical plan generated by the system 800 of FIG. 8. For example, the surgical plan can include information regarding the delivery path, tools, and implantation site. The platform 1050 can analyze the surgical plan and develop executable instructions to perform a patient-specific procedure based on the capabilities of the robotic system (e.g., the configuration and number of robotic arms and the functionality of the effectors, the guidance system, the visualization system, etc.). This allows the system 800 to be compatible with a wide range of different types of robotic surgical systems. The platform 1050 may include one or more communication devices (e.g., components having VLC, WiMAX, LTE, WLAN, IR communication, PSTN, radio wave, Bluetooth, and / or Wi-Fi operation) for establishing a connection with the network 1006 (which may be the same as the server 806 shown in FIG. 8) and / or the computer device 1040 (which may be the same as the computing device 900 shown in FIG. 9) for accessing and / or downloading the patient-specific plan. For example, the network 1006 may receive a request for a particular surgical plan from the platform 1050 and transmit the plan to the platform 1050. Once identified, the network 1006 may transmit the surgical plan directly to the platform 1050 for execution. In some embodiments, the network 1006 may transmit the surgical plan to one or more intermediate network devices rather than directly to the platform 1050. For example, the network 1006 may transmit the surgical plan to the computer device 1040 and / or the computing device 900 described above with respect to FIG. 9. A user may review the surgical plan using a computing device before sending the surgical plan to the platform 1050 for execution.Additional details for identifying, storing, downloading, and accessing patient-specific surgical plans are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 990,810, filed Aug. 11, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0128] Platform 1050 may include additional components not explicitly shown in FIG. 10. For example, in various embodiments, platform 1050 may include one or more displays (e.g., an LCD display screen, an LED display screen, a projection display, a holographic display, or an augmented reality display (e.g., a heads-up display device or a head-mounted device)), one or more I / O devices (e.g., a network card, a video card, an audio card, a USB, Firewire or other external device, a camera, a printer, a speaker, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, a disk drive, or a Blu-ray device), and / or memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), various caches, CPU registers, read-only memory (ROM), and writeable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic storage devices, tape drives, device buffers, etc.). In some embodiments, the foregoing components may be generally similar to similar components described in detail with respect to computing device 900 of FIG. 9.

[0129] Without being bound by theory, it is expected that the use of a robotic surgical platform to perform various aspects of the surgical plan described herein will provide several advantages over conventional surgical techniques. For example, the use of a robotic surgical platform may improve surgical outcomes and / or reduce recovery time, for example, by reducing incision size, reducing blood loss, reducing time for surgical procedures, improving accuracy and precision of the surgery (e.g., placement of the implant at the target location), etc. The platform 1050 may also avoid or reduce user input errors by including one or more scanners to obtain information from, for example, instruments (e.g., instruments with search capabilities), tools, the patient-specific implant 1000 (e.g., after the implant 1000 is grasped by the arm 1055), etc. The platform 1050 may verify the use of appropriate instruments before and during the surgical procedure. If the platform 1050 identifies an inappropriate instrument or tool, it may send a warning to the user that a different instrument or tool should be attached. The user may scan the new instrument to verify that it is appropriate for the surgical plan. In some embodiments, the surgical plan includes instructions for use, a list of instruments, instrument specifications, replacement instruments, etc. The base 1050 can perform pre-operative and post-operative validation routines based on information from the scanner.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method 1100 for implanting a patient-specific implant. The method 1100 can include a patient-specific implant having a first plate and a second plate, such as any of the plates previously described herein. The first plate and the second plate are generally designed to have patient-specific features (e.g., geometry, topography, etc.) configured to mate with respective first and second identified anatomical structures at respective first and second target locations. For example, the first and / or second plate can each be configured to mate with an anterior, superior, inferior, or lateral surface of a vertebral body. In some embodiments, the first and / or second plate can be configured to mate with one or more surfaces of a vertebral body. For example, the first and / or second plate can be configured to mate with an anterior, superior, inferior, and / or lateral surface of a vertebral body. In some embodiments, the first and second patient-specific implants can be designed to contact the same (e.g., the same) surface of the vertebral body, but can have different contact surface topographies based on the position of the first and second plates relative to the surface of the vertebral body.

[0131] In step 1102, method 1100 may include delivering a first plate to a first target location. Step 1102 may be generally similar or the same as steps 604 and / or 606 of method 600 of FIG. 6 and / or steps 704 and / or 706 of method 700 of FIG.

[0132] Method 1100 may include delivering a second plate to a second target location at step 1104. Step 1104 may be generally similar or the same as step 1102. Steps 1102 and / or 1104 may be performed by a surgeon, a surgical robotic platform, and / or a surgeon assisted by a surgical robotic platform.

[0133] The method 1100 proceeds with coupling (e.g., mechanically coupling) the first plate to the second plate at step 1106. The first plate may be coupled to the second plate using any of the linkages, connectors, and / or connection mechanisms previously described herein. In some embodiments, steps 1106 and 1102-1104 may be reversed to couple the first plate to the second plate prior to positioning the first plate and / or the second plate at their respective target locations (e.g., the first plate and the second plate may be coupled in vivo and / or ex vivo). In some embodiments, coupling the first and second plates may cause the first and / or second plates to mate (e.g., automatically mate) with corresponding anatomical structures at their respective first and second target locations.

[0134] Method 1100 may optionally proceed to verify, in step 1108, that the first and / or second plates are at their respective first and / or second target locations. The locations of the first and / or second plates may be verified using one or more conventional imaging techniques known in the art (e.g., X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.). Step 1108 may be generally similar or the same as step 608 of method 600 of FIG. 6 and / or step 710 of method 700 of FIG. 7.

[0135] Figure 12A is a flowchart of a method 1200 for providing patient-specific medical care. Method 1200 may be a computer-implemented method, such that one or more steps of method 1200 may be performed by a computer or computing device, such as computing device 802 of Figure 8, server 806 of Figure 8, computing device 900 of Figure 9, and / or any other computer described herein.

[0136] At step 1202, the method 1200 may include receiving a patient dataset for a patient. The patient data may be generally similar or identical to patient dataset 808 of FIG. 8. The patient dataset may include one or more images of at least a portion of the patient's spine and may be indicative of the patient's native anatomy. In some embodiments, the one or more images may be used to create a virtual model of the patient's native anatomy. Virtual models are discussed in more detail in PCT / US21 / 12065, filed January 4, 2021, entitled "PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0137] In step 1204, the method 1200 may include determining a corrected anatomical configuration of the patient. The corrected anatomical configuration may differ from the original anatomical configuration in step 1202. The corrected anatomical configuration may be based at least in part on one or more reference patient data sets, such as the reference patient data sets stored in database 802 of FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the corrected anatomical configuration may be determined using a computing system, as described above. In some embodiments, the computing system may include a module, such as data analysis module 816 of FIG. 8, and the module may be configured to analyze the reference patient data and determine the corrected anatomical configuration. In some embodiments, the virtual model of the corrected anatomical configuration may be generated, for example, by modifying one or more images of step 1202 and / or the virtual model of the patient's original anatomical configuration based on the reference patient data. Modifying a virtual model of a patient's natural anatomical configuration is discussed in more detail in PCT / US21 / 12065, entitled "PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on January 4, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0138] At step 1206, the method 1200 may include designing one or more patient-specific anterior plates. Each of the one or more patient-specific anterior plates may be the same as or substantially similar to the plate 120 of FIG. 1A-1B, the first plate 220 of FIG. 2A-2B, the second plate 250 of FIG. 2A-2B, and / or the plate 320 of FIG. 3A-3B. The design of the one or more patient-specific anterior plates may be based at least in part on the corrected anatomical configuration of step 1204. For example, the one or more patient-specific anterior plates may be designed to have a shape that corresponds to the geometry of a target location of the patient's spine such that implantation of one or more patient-specific implants into the corresponding target locations may cause the patient's spine to assume the corrected anatomical shape. In some embodiments, a computer or computing system may design the one or more patient-specific anterior plates as described above. For example, the computer may analyze patient data in step 1202 to determine the curvature, anatomy, and / or shape of the patient's spine and design one or more patient-specific anterior plates including one or more contact surfaces having a shape or curvature that corresponds to the shape or curvature of the patient's spine and / or having a topography that matches the topography of the patient's spine.

[0139] In some embodiments, the one or more patient-specific anterior plate implants of step 1206 can include at least a first patient-specific anterior plate configured to be implanted at a first vertebral level and a second patient-specific anterior plate configured to be implanted at a second vertebral level. The first patient-specific anterior plate can have a different shape than the second patient-specific implant.

[0140] In some embodiments, at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates of step 1206 can include a seating feature configured to hold at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates at a particular position along the patient's spine. The seating feature can include wings, protrusions, contact surfaces, and / or any other suitable seating feature previously described herein. For example, the seating feature can be the same as or substantially similar to the first protrusion 121 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first contact surface 122 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second protrusion 126 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second contact surface 128 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and / or any other suitable element or feature of FIGS. 1A-3B.

[0141] In some embodiments, method 1200 may further include identifying one or more target locations along the patient's spine, and each of the patient-specific anterior plates of step 1206 may be designed to correspond to one or more anatomical structures at the corresponding target locations. The one or more target locations may include one or more of anterior, lateral, superior, and / or inferior surfaces of individual vertebral bodies of the patient's spine, and / or may include one or more vertebral levels of the patient's spine. In some embodiments, the one or more target locations may correspond to the corrected anatomical configuration of step 1204, and implantation of each of the patient-specific anterior plates at the corresponding target locations may cause the patient's spine to assume (adjust, translate toward, realign, etc.) the corrected anatomical configuration.

[0142] Figures 12B-12F illustrate various additional methods that may be included as part of the method 1200 of Figure 12A. Thus, each of the methods of Figures 12B-12F, and / or one or more steps thereof, may be combined with the method 1200 of Figure 12A and / or with each other.

[0143] Referring initially to FIG. 12B, in some embodiments, the method 1200 may further include a method 1210. At step 1212, the method 1210 includes determining a target implant location adjacent to or along a virtual model of the patient's spine. The virtual model of the patient's spine may be a virtual model of the patient's spine in a corrected anatomical configuration, such as the corrected anatomical configuration described above with reference to step 1204 of FIG. 12A. The method 1210 may further include, at step 1214, constructing a virtual model of at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates of step 1206 for seating against the target implant location.

[0144] 12C, in some embodiments, method 1200 can further include method 1220. At step 1222, method 1220 can include designing a virtual model of an intervertebral implant for implantation between the first vertebra and the second vertebra. The intervertebral implant can include any of the implants, devices, plates, or cages described above.

[0145] At step 1224, the method 1220 may further include designing at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates of step 1206 to couple to the first and second vertebrae to impede movement of the intervertebral implant. This may include, for example, designing a plate that includes a contact surface having a patient-specific topography and / or designing any other aspect or feature of the patient-specific implant described herein.

[0146] 12D, in some embodiments, the method 1200 can further include method 1230. At step 1232, the method 1230 can include identifying features along the patient's spine for engagement with at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates. The features can include one or more vertebral bodies, such as, for example, one or more adjacent vertebral bodies. Additionally or alternatively, the features can include one or more anterior, lateral, superior, and / or inferior surfaces of individual ones of the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the features can further include any of the features or aspects of the patient's anatomy described herein.

[0147] At 1234, the method 1230 may further include designing one or more regions of at least one of the one or more patient-specific anterior plates to contact one or more of the identified features. In such embodiments, the at least one patient-specific anterior plate may inhibit motion of the patient's spinal segment upon contacting the identified features. For example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, the at least one patient-specific topography of the one or more patient-specific anterior plates may prevent, inhibit, limit or reduce movement of the plate (e.g., laterally, vertically, etc.) relative to one or both of the adjacent vertebral bodies and may maintain the position and / or alignment of a first vertebral body relative to a second vertebral body.

[0148] 12E, in some embodiments, method 1200 can further include method 1240. In step 1242, method 1240 can include generating a virtual model of the patient's spine in a corrected anatomical configuration, such as the corrected anatomical configuration of step 1204. The virtual model is described in PCT / US21 / 12065, entitled "PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," filed on January 4, 2021 (Docket No. 127398-8021.US00), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0149] At step 1244, the method 1240 may include dynamically adjusting a first virtual model of one of the patient-specific anterior plates and / or a second virtual model of the spinal implant in response to modifying or updating the virtual model of the patient's spine. The virtual model of the patient's spine may be modified automatically, for example, by a computer or computing system, or by a user (e.g., a practitioner). The modifications to the virtual model of the patient's spine may be based on the patient-specific data of step 1202 and may reflect an updated or corrected anatomical configuration. The modifications may include changing the size, shape, contour, spacing, position, orientation, and / or alignment of one or more vertebral bodies of the patient's spine. The virtual models may include one or more virtual models of the patient-specific anterior plates and / or one or more virtual models of the spinal implants. The virtual model of the patient's spine can be modified or updated to dynamically adjust the virtual model of the patient-specific anterior plate and / or spinal implant, such that the adjusted virtual model matches the modified or updated size, shape, contour, spacing, position, orientation, and / or alignment of the corresponding vertebral bodies. Additional aspects of adjusting the virtual model are described in PCT Application No. PCT / US21 / 12065, filed January 4, 2021, and entitled "PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0150] 12F, in some embodiments, method 1200 can further include method 1250. In step 1252, method 1250 can include generating a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical configuration, which can be the same as or generally similar to step 1242 of method 1240.

[0151] In step 1254, method 1250 may include modifying the virtual model of the patient's spine to generate a modified virtual model, which may be the same as or generally similar to step 1244 of method 1240.

[0152] In step 1256, the method 1250 may include designing at least one patient-specific anterior plate based on the modified virtual model. The corrected anatomical configuration may be the corrected anatomical configuration of step 1204. As previously described, the virtual model of the patient's spine may include changes to the size, shape, contour, spacing, position, orientation, and / or placement of one or more vertebral bodies of the patient's spine. The plate based on the modified virtual model may include changes corresponding to the changes in step 1254. For example, in some embodiments, in step 1254, the virtual model may be modified to change the height of the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, and the plate based on the modified virtual model may include an intermediate portion and / or a connection mechanism sized to correspond to the height of the intervertebral space. EXAMPLES

[0153] Working Example The present technology is exemplified, for example, according to various aspects described below. Various embodiments of the aspects of the present technology are described as numbered embodiments (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and not as limitations of the present technology. It should be noted that any of the dependent embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner to form their own independent embodiments. Other embodiments can be presented in a similar manner. 1. A computer-implemented method for providing patient-specific medical care, comprising: receiving a patient dataset for a patient, the patient dataset including one or more images of at least a portion of the patient's spine including superior and inferior vertebrae, the one or more images representing a native anatomy of the patient; determining a corrected anatomical configuration of the patient using a computing system, the corrected anatomical configuration differing from the original anatomical configuration; using said computing system to design a patient-specific anterior plate based on said corrected anatomical configuration; Including, The patient-specific anterior plate a first contact area contoured to mate with an anterior surface of the superior vertebra; a second contact area contoured to mate with an anterior surface of the inferior vertebra; an intermediate protrusion configured to mate with end plates of the upper and lower vertebrae when the first and second contact areas mate with anterior surfaces of the upper and lower vertebrae, respectively; 4. A computer-implemented method comprising: 2. determining a target implant location along a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical configuration; building a virtual model of at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates for seating against the target implant location; Further comprising: The computer-implemented method of Example 1. 3. Designing a virtual model of an intervertebral implant for implantation between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; designing the patient-specific anterior plate to couple to the first and second vertebrae to prevent movement of the intervertebral implant when the intervertebral implant is positioned between the first and second vertebrae; Further comprising: The computer-implemented method of Example 1 or 2. 4. The patient-specific anterior plate includes one or more seating features configured to hold at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates in a particular position along the patient's spine. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the first to third embodiments. 5. Identifying alignment features along the patient's spine for engaging the patient-specific anterior plate; designing regions of the patient-specific anterior plate to contact the identified alignment features to inhibit motion of the patient's spinal segment; Further comprising: A computer-implemented method according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments. 6. generating a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical configuration; dynamically adjusting a first virtual model of the patient-specific anterior plate and a second virtual model of a different spinal implant in response to modifying the virtual model; Further comprising: A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5. 7. Generating a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical configuration; modifying the virtual model to generate a modified virtual model of the patient's spine; designing the patient-specific anterior plate based on the modified virtual model; Further comprising: A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6. 8. further comprising the step of identifying one or more target locations along the patient's spine, wherein the patient-specific anterior plate is designed to correspond to one or more anatomical structures at the corresponding target locations. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8. 9. The patient-specific anterior plate is a first patient-specific anterior plate; The computer-implemented method further comprises: designing a second patient-specific anterior plate configured to be implanted at a different target location than the first patient-specific anterior plate; the first patient-specific anterior plate has a different shape than the second patient-specific anterior plate; The computer-implemented method of Example 8. 10. The step of designing the patient-specific anterior plate includes designing the middle portion to contact an intervertebral disc in an intervertebral space between the inferior and superior vertebrae. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9. 11. The intermediate portion has a length between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10. 12. The step of designing the patient-specific anterior plate includes designing a posterior end of the middle portion to extend posteriorly beyond at least one of a first cortical rim of the superior vertebra and / or a second cortical rim of the inferior vertebra by between about 1 mm and about 10 mm. A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11. 13. The method further comprises the step of designing a patient-specific lateral plate using the computing system based on the corrected anatomical configuration; the patient-specific lateral plate is configured to mate with at least one of a first side of the superior vertebra and / or a second side of the inferior vertebra; A computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 1 to 12. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein designing the patient-specific lateral plate comprises designing one or more connectors configured to couple the patient-specific lateral plate to the patient-specific anterior plate. The computer-implemented method of Example 13. 15. A method of implanting a patient-specific implant, comprising: delivering a first plate to a first location proximate a first target location on a patient's spine, the first plate designed to mate with a first anatomical structure at the first target location; delivering a second plate to a second location proximate a second target location of the patient's spine, the second plate designed to mate with a second anatomical structure at the second target location; coupling the first plate and / or the second plate to an interbody implant positioned within the patient's spinal column; A method comprising: 16. The first anatomical structure is: the anterior surface of the first superior vertebra; the second anterior surface of the lower vertebra; Including, The second anatomical structure is a first side of the superior vertebra; a second side of the inferior vertebra; and Including, the interbody implant is positioned in an intervertebral space between the superior and inferior vertebrae; The method described in Example 15. 17. The first anatomical structure includes an inferior surface of a superior vertebra and / or an superior surface of a inferior vertebra, and the second anatomical structure includes an superior surface of the inferior vertebra and / or an inferior surface of the superior vertebra. The method described in Example 15. 18. Positioning the first plate at the first target location such that the first plate mates with the first anatomical structure includes forming a substantially gap-free interface between the first plate and the first anatomical structure; positioning the second plate at the second target location such that the second plate mates with the second anatomical structure includes forming a substantially gap-free interface between the second plate and the second anatomical structure. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 17. 19. A patient-specific implant, comprising: a plate configured to be implanted at a target location along a patient's spine to mate with the superior and inferior vertebrae; The above plate is a first contact area contoured to mate with an anterior surface of the superior vertebra; a second contact area contoured to mate with an anterior surface of the inferior vertebra; an intermediate protrusion configured to mate with end plates of the upper and lower vertebrae when the first and second contact areas mate with anterior surfaces of the upper and lower vertebrae, respectively; Including, Patient-specific implants. 20. An intervertebral device positioned in an intervertebral space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, the intermediate projection further configured to extend into the intervertebral space and contact the intervertebral device. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 19. 21. The patient-specific implant of Example 20, wherein the plate is further configured to inhibit anterior migration of the intervertebral device when implanted at the target location. 22. A patient-specific implant as described in Examples 20 or 21, wherein the intervertebral device is configured to be coupled to the intermediate projection when the intervertebral device is positioned in the intervertebral space and the plate is implanted at the target location. 23. The intervertebral device is configured to bear at least a portion of a load exerted by the superior or inferior vertebra on the patient-specific implant when the intervertebral device is positioned in the intervertebral space. A patient-specific implant according to any one of Examples 20 to 22. 24. The portion of the load is a first portion of the load and the intermediate projection is configured to receive at least a second portion of the load when the plate is implanted at the target location, the second portion of the load being at least 10% of the total load. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 23. 25. The plate is an anterior plate, and the patient-specific implant further comprises a lateral plate configured to mate with at least one of a first side of the superior vertebra and / or a second side of the inferior vertebra. A patient-specific implant according to any of Examples 19 to 24. 26. Further comprising a connector configured to couple the lateral plate to the anterior plate at least when the anterior plate is implanted at the target location. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 25. 27. The intermediate projection includes a posterior end configured to contact an intervertebral disc positioned in an intervertebral space between the superior and inferior vertebrae when the plate is implanted at the target location. A patient-specific implant according to any of Examples 19 to 26. 28. The intermediate protrusion has a length of about 1 mm to about 20 mm. A patient-specific implant according to any of Examples 19 to 27. 29. The intermediate protrusion has a length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm. A patient-specific implant according to any of Examples 19 to 27. 30. The intermediate projection is configured to occupy at least 50% of the intervertebral space between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra. A patient-specific implant according to any one of Examples 19 to 29. 31. A patient-specific implant, comprising: a plate configured to mate with upper and lower vertebrae at a target location along the patient's spine; The above plate is a first projection including a first spine contacting surface having a first patient specific geometry contoured to mate with an anterior surface of the superior vertebra; a second projection including a second spine contacting surface having a second patient specific geometry contoured to mate with the anterior surface of the inferior vertebra; An intermediate protrusion; Including, The intermediate protrusion is a first intermediate contact surface having a third patient specific geometry contoured to mate with at least a portion of the inferior surface of the superior vertebra; a second intermediate contact surface having a fourth patient specific geometry contoured to mate with at least a portion of the superior surface of the inferior vertebra; Including, The patient-specific implant, wherein the first patient-specific geometry is different from the second, third, and / or fourth patient-specific geometry. 32. When the plate is implanted in the target location, the plate forms a substantially gap-free interface with the anterior surface of the superior vertebra and the anterior surface of the inferior vertebra. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 31. 33. The first protrusion includes a top portion having a third contact surface, the third contact surface having a fifth patient-specific geometry contoured to mate with a surface adjacent an anterior surface of the superior vertebra. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 31 or 32. 34. The surface adjacent to the anterior surface of the upper vertebra is the upper surface of the upper vertebra. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 33. 35. The second projection includes a lowermost portion having a third contact surface, the third contact surface having a fifth patient-specific geometry contoured to mate with a surface adjacent an anterior surface of the inferior vertebra. A patient-specific implant according to any one of Examples 31 to 34. 36. The surface adjacent to the anterior surface of the inferior vertebra is the inferior surface of the inferior vertebra. A patient-specific implant as described in Example 35. 37. The plate is a first plate and the target location is a first target location; the patient-specific implant further comprising a second plate configured to mate with the superior and inferior vertebrae at a target location; The second plate is a third projection including a fifth contact surface, the fifth contact surface having a fifth patient specific geometry contoured to mate with a lateral surface of the superior vertebra; a fourth protrusion having a sixth contact surface, the sixth contact surface having a sixth patient specific geometry contoured to mate with a lateral surface of the inferior vertebra; Including, the first plate is coupled to the second plate by one or more connectors; A patient-specific implant according to any one of Examples 31 to 36. 38. The second plate further includes a second intermediate protrusion positioned between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion; The second intermediate protrusion, a third intermediate contact surface having a seventh patient specific geometry contoured to mate with at least a portion of the inferior surface of the superior vertebra; a fourth intermediate contact surface having an eighth patient specific geometry contoured to mate with at least a portion of the superior surface of the inferior vertebra; Including, A patient-specific implant as described in Example 37.

[0154] conclusion The foregoing detailed description describes various embodiments of devices and / or processes through the use of block diagrams, flow charts, and / or examples. To the extent that such block diagrams, flow charts, and / or examples include one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will appreciate that each function and / or operation within such block diagrams, flow charts, or examples can be individually and / or collectively implemented by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, some portions of the subject matter described herein can be implemented via an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or other integrated form. However, it will be within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure to design circuitry and / or write software and / or firmware code such that certain aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be implemented in an integrated circuit, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the exemplary embodiments of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, recordable-type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CDs, DVDs, digital tape, computer memory, and transmission-type media such as digital and / or analog communications media (e.g., fiber optic cables, wave guides, wired communications links, wireless communications links, etc.).

[0155] Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common in the art to describe devices and / or processes in the manner set forth herein and then use engineering techniques to integrate such described devices and / or processes into a data processing system. That is, at least a portion of the devices and / or processes described herein can be integrated into a data processing system through a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a typical data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile and non-volatile memory, a processor such as a microprocessor and a digital signal processor, computing entities such as an operating system, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and application programs, one or more interaction devices such as a touchpad or screen, and / or a control system including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and / or velocity; control motors for moving and / or adjusting components and / or quantities). A typical data processing system can be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially available components as typically found in data computing / communication and / or network computing / communication systems.

[0156] The subject matter described herein shows different components that are sometimes included within or connected to different other components. It should be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other architectures that achieve the same functionality can be implemented. In a conceptual sense, an arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is substantially "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Thus, in this specification, any two components that combine to achieve a particular functionality can be considered to be "associated" with each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can also be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" with each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components that can be so associated can also be considered to be "operably coupled" with each other to achieve the desired functionality. Examples of operably coupleable include, but are not limited to, components that can be physically mated and / or physically interactable, and / or components that can be wirelessly interacted and / or wirelessly interactable, and / or components that can be logically interacted and / or logically interactable.

[0157] The embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described in this specification can, in some embodiments, be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described below. US Application No. 16 / 048,167, filed on July 27, 2017, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING AND AUGMENTING SURGICAL PROCEDURES”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 242,877, filed on January 8, 2019, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSISTING A SURGEON WITH SCREW PLACEMENT DURING SPINAL SURGERY”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 207,116, filed on December 1, 2018, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-PLANAR ORTHOPEDIC ALIGNMENT”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 352,699, filed on March 13, 2019, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT FIXATION”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 383,215, filed on April 12, 2019, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT FIXATION”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 569,494, filed on September 12, 2019, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS”; U.S. Application No. 62 / 773,127, filed on November 29, 2018, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS”; U.S. Application No. 62 / 928,909, filed on October 31, 2019, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS BASED ON TISSUE CHARACTERISTICS”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 735,222, filed January 6, 2020, titled “PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 987,113, filed August 6, 2020, titled “PATIENT-SPECIFIC ARTIFICIAL DISCS, IMPLANTS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS”; U.S. Application No. 16 / 990,810, filed August 11, 2020, titled “LINKING PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICAL DEVICES WITH PATIENT-SPECIFIC DATA, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS”; U.S. Application No. 17 / 463,054, filed August 31, 2021, titled “BLOCKCHAIN MANAGED MEDICAL IMPLANTS;” U.S. Application No. 17 / 085564, filed October 30, 2020, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS BASED ON TISSUE CHARACTERISTICS”; and U.S. Application No. 17 / 100,396, filed November 20, 2020, titled “PATIENT-SPECIFIC VERTEBRAL IMPLANTS WITH POSITIONING FEATURES.”

[0158] All of the above identified patents and applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described herein may be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, or other items in particular embodiments. To the extent that material incorporated by reference herein conflicts with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 100 Patient-Specific Implants 120 Front plate 121 First protrusion or wing 122 first contact surface 126 Second protrusion or wing 140 First part or member 141 first partial contact surface

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for providing patient-specific healthcare, comprising: receiving a patient dataset of a patient, the patient dataset including one or more images of at least a part of the spine of the patient including the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra, the one or more images showing the original anatomical structure of the patient, the receiving step; determining, using a computing system, a corrected anatomical structure of the patient, the corrected anatomical structure being different from the original anatomical structure, the determining step; designing, using the computing system, a patient-specific anterior plate based on the corrected anatomical structure; comprising: the patient-specific anterior plate having: a first contact region contoured to fit against the front surface of the upper vertebra; a second contact region contoured to fit against the front surface of the lower vertebra; an intermediate protrusion configured to fit against the end plates of the upper and lower vertebrae when the first and second contact regions fit against the respective front surfaces of the upper and lower vertebrae; A computer-implemented method.

2. determining a target implant location along a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical structure; constructing a virtual model of at least one anterior plate of the patient-specific anterior plate for seating at the target implant location; The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. designing a virtual model of an intervertebral implant for implantation between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; When the intervertebral implant is positioned between the first vertebra and the second vertebra, designing the patient-specific anterior plate to couple to the first vertebra and the second vertebra so as to impede movement of the intervertebral implant; The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising. **Claim 4** The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the patient-specific anterior plate includes one or more seating features configured to hold at least one of the patient-specific anterior plates in a specific position along the patient's spine. **Claim 5** Identifying alignment features along the patient's spine for engaging the patient-specific anterior plate; Designing an area of the patient-specific anterior plate to contact the identified alignment features to inhibit movement of the patient's spinal segment; The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising. **Claim 6** Generating a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical configuration; Dynamically adjusting a first virtual model of the patient-specific anterior plate and a second virtual model of another spinal implant in response to modifying the virtual model; The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising. **Claim 7** Generating a virtual model of the patient's spine in the corrected anatomical configuration; Modifying the virtual model to generate a modified virtual model of the patient's spine; Designing the patient-specific anterior plate based on the modified virtual model; The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising. **Claim 8** further comprising the step of identifying one or more target positions along the spine of the patient, wherein the patient-specific anterior plate is designed to correspond to one or more anatomical structures at the corresponding target positions The computer-implemented method according to claim 1.

9. The patient-specific anterior plate is a first patient-specific anterior plate, The computer-implemented method comprises further comprising the step of designing a second patient-specific anterior plate configured to be implanted at a target position different from that of the first patient-specific anterior plate, The first patient-specific anterior plate has a different shape from that of the second patient-specific anterior plate. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8.

10. The step of designing the patient-specific anterior plate includes the step of designing the intermediate portion to contact the intervertebral disc in the intervertebral space between the lower vertebra and the upper vertebra. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1.

11. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a length between about 1 mm and about 20 mm.

12. The step of designing the patient-specific anterior plate includes the step of designing the rear end portion of the intermediate portion to extend rearwardly beyond at least one of the first cortical rim of the upper vertebra and / or the second cortical rim of the lower vertebra by between about 1 mm and about 10 mm. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1.

13. further comprising the step of using the computing system to design a patient-specific lateral plate based on the corrected anatomical configuration, The patient-specific lateral plate is configured to fit at least one of the first side surface of the upper vertebra and / or the second side surface of the lower vertebra. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein the step of designing the patient-specific lateral plate includes the step of designing one or more connectors configured to couple the patient-specific lateral plate to the patient-specific anterior plate. **Claim 15** A patient-specific implant, comprising a plate configured to be implanted at a target location along a patient's spine so as to fit with an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra, wherein the plate has a first contact region contoured to fit with the anterior surface of the upper vertebra, a second contact region contoured to fit with the anterior surface of the lower vertebra, and an intermediate protrusion configured to fit with the end plates of the upper and lower vertebrae when the first and second contact regions fit with the respective anterior surfaces of the upper and lower vertebrae, and the patient-specific implant. **Claim 16** The patient-specific implant of claim 15, further comprising an intervertebral device positioned in the intervertebral space between the upper and lower vertebrae, wherein the intermediate protrusion is further configured to extend into the intervertebral space and contact the intervertebral device. **Claim 17** The patient-specific implant of claim 16, wherein the plate is further configured to inhibit forward movement of the intervertebral device when implanted at the target location. **Claim 18** The patient-specific implant of claim 16, wherein the intervertebral device is positioned in the intervertebral space and the plate is implanted at the target location, and the intervertebral device is configured to be coupled to the intermediate protrusion. **Claim 19** The patient-specific implant according to claim 16, wherein the intervertebral device is configured to receive at least a part of the load applied to the patient-specific implant by the upper vertebra or the lower vertebra when the intervertebral device is positioned in the intervertebral cavity.

20. A part of the load is a first part of the load, and the intermediate protrusion is configured to receive at least a second part of the load when the plate is implanted at the target position, and the second part of the load is at least 10% of the total load. The patient-specific implant according to claim 19.

21. The patient-specific implant according to claim 15, wherein the plate is a front plate, and the patient-specific implant further comprises a side plate configured to fit with at least one of the first side surface of the upper vertebra and / or the second side surface of the lower vertebra.

22. The patient-specific implant according to claim 21, further comprising a connector configured to couple the side plate to the front plate when at least the front plate is implanted at the target position.

23. The patient-specific implant according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate protrusion includes a rear end portion configured to contact an intervertebral disc positioned in the intervertebral cavity between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra when the plate is implanted at the target position.

24. The patient-specific implant according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate protrusion has a length of about 1 mm to about 20 mm.

25. The patient-specific implant according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate protrusion has a length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

26. The patient-specific implant according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate protrusion is configured to occupy at least 50% of the gap in the intervertebral cavity between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra.

27. A patient-specific implant, comprising a plate configured to fit with an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra at a target position along the patient's spine, wherein the plate includes a first protrusion having a first spinal contact surface with a first patient-specific geometry contoured to fit with the front surface of the upper vertebra, a second protrusion having a second spinal contact surface with a second patient-specific geometry contoured to fit with the front surface of the lower vertebra, and an intermediate protrusion, and the intermediate protrusion includes a first intermediate contact surface having a third patient-specific geometry contoured to fit with at least a portion of the lower surface of the upper vertebra, and a second intermediate contact surface having a fourth patient-specific geometry contoured to fit with at least a portion of the upper surface of the lower vertebra, and the first patient-specific geometry is different from the second, third, and / or fourth patient-specific geometries, the patient-specific implant.

28. The patient-specific implant according to claim 27, wherein when the plate is implanted at the target position, the plate forms a substantially gapless interface with the front surface of the upper vertebra and the front surface of the lower vertebra.

29. The patient-specific implant according to claim 27, wherein the first protrusion includes a top portion having a third contact surface, and the third contact surface has a fifth patient-specific geometry contoured to fit with a surface adjacent to the front surface of the upper vertebra.

30. The patient-specific implant according to claim 29, wherein the surface adjacent to the front surface of the upper vertebra is the upper surface of the upper vertebra.

31. The patient-specific implant according to claim 27, wherein the second protrusion includes a lowermost portion having a third contact surface, and the third contact surface has a fifth patient-specific geometry contoured to fit a surface adjacent to the anterior surface of the lower vertebra.

32. The patient-specific implant according to claim 31, wherein the surface adjacent to the anterior surface of the lower vertebra is the lower surface of the lower vertebra.

33. The plate is a first plate and the target position is a first target position, The patient-specific implant further comprises a second plate configured to fit with the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra at the target position, The second plate, A third protrusion including a fifth contact surface, the fifth contact surface having a fifth patient-specific geometry contoured to fit a side surface of the upper vertebra, and the third protrusion; A fourth protrusion having a sixth contact surface, the sixth contact surface having a sixth patient-specific geometry contoured to fit a side surface of the lower vertebra, and the fourth protrusion; including, The patient-specific implant according to claim 27, wherein the first plate is coupled to the second plate by one or more connectors.

34. The second plate further includes a second intermediate protrusion positioned between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion, The second intermediate protrusion, A third intermediate contact surface having a seventh patient-specific geometry contoured to fit at least a part of the lower surface of the upper vertebra, and A fourth intermediate contact surface having an eighth patient-specific geometry contoured to fit at least a part of the upper surface of the lower vertebra, and including, the patient-specific implant according to claim 33.

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