Patient Positioning Frame with Adjustable Tilt for Oblique LLIF Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Jackson frames for prone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) restrict patient manipulation movements, limiting access and ergonomics, and do not allow for controlled coronal break or oblique approaches, leading to poor visualization and restricted C-arm imaging angles.

Innovation Solution

A patient positioning system with adjustable padding breaks, tilt, and height mechanisms, including ramps connected to screws, jacks, and ratcheting systems, allowing controlled patient positioning and enhanced ergonomics for surgeons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional Jackson frame is used for prone lateral LLIF, then patient positioning is stable, but patient manipulation movements are restricted and access is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient manipulation movementsVSAvoidaccess and ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The Jackson frame incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including height-adjustable table surfaces, tilt mechanisms, and movable support structures that allow real-time modification of patient positioning. This enables the frame to adapt between stable positioning and manipulated positioning states, resolving the contradiction between stability and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments including table surfaces, support structures, and positioning components. Each segment can be manipulated separately to achieve optimal patient positioning while maintaining overall frame stability, enabling both restricted stable positioning and flexible manipulation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional Jackson frame with fixed height and tilt is used, then structure is simple, but surgeon visualization and working angles are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon ergonomicsVSAvoidheight and tilt adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame integrates multiple functions into a single system: height adjustment, tilt mechanism, and support positioning all work together to provide both ergonomic optimization and visualization improvement. The multi-functional design reduces the need for separate devices while achieving surgical goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including height-adjustable table surfaces, tilt mechanisms, and movable support structures that allow real-time modification of patient positioning. This enables the frame to adapt between stable positioning and manipulated positioning states, resolving the contradiction between stability and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If Jackson frame rail is positioned to block oblique trajectory, then frame structure is stable, but oblique and ATP approaches are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoblique and ATP accessVSAvoidsurgical approach flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame allows movement in multiple dimensions including vertical height adjustment, angular tilt, and lateral positioning. By operating in these additional dimensions, the frame can move the patient relative to the fixed rail to achieve oblique and ATP approaches that would be blocked in a single fixed-position configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If Jackson frame allows only limited tilt angles, then C-arm imaging is restricted, but increasing tilt to 40-45 degrees enables true lateral imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveC-arm imaging anglesVSAvoidpatient tilt control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250268772A1Systems and methods for patient positioning

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Systems for positioning a patient are provided. A patient positioning system comprising: an upper support comprising: a mounting plate for a pad; a hinge comprising a curved surface including teeth, the curved surface operable to rotate; a pawl that is in contact with the teeth of the hinge, wherein the pawl is operable to allow rotation of the pad in a first direction due to angles of the teeth; a moveable member extending from the hinge, the moveable member including teeth; and a second pawl that is in contact with the teeth of the moveable member, the second pawl operable to allow movement of the moveable member due to angles of the teeth of the moveable member; and a lower support connected to the upper support via the moveable member.