Digitizer Pointer Alignment for Minimally Invasive Spinal Rod Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal rod bending techniques in surgery are subjective, time-consuming, and prone to errors, leading to increased morbidity and potential failure of fixation systems due to the lack of precise customization to patient anatomy and limited options for curvature and deformity correction.
Innovation Solution
A digitizer pointer with adjustable offset, swivel, and translation features is integrated into a surgical rod bending system, allowing for precise spatial tracking and customization of spinal rod bends, enabling better alignment and orientation of implants and rods according to patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual rod bending methods (French Bender, in-situ bender, keyhole bender) are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the bending process becomes subjective, iterative, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the exact rod bends needed based on patient-specific anatomy and implant positions before the surgery begins. The computer model determines all bend parameters in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative adjustments and iterative bending attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical bending system with a computer-controlled bending system. Instead of relying on physician skill and manual manipulation, the system uses computational algorithms to precisely calculate and execute the required rod bends, transforming a subjective mechanical process into an objective computer-guided process.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual rod bending methods are used, then the equipment remains simple, but the determination of bend location, angle, and rotation becomes subjective and difficult to correlate to patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously referencing the pre-established computer model of patient anatomy and implant positions during the rod bending process. Each bend is calculated and executed based on feedback from the digital model, ensuring precise correlation between the physical rod bends and the virtual anatomical landmarks, thereby eliminating subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy or replica of the patient's spine anatomy and implant configuration in a computer model. This virtual copy serves as a precise template that guides the physical rod bending process, allowing the physician to transfer measurements and specifications from the digital model to the physical rod with high accuracy, eliminating the subjectivity of direct manual measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If iterative rod bending is performed to achieve optimal results, then customization to patient anatomy can be attempted, but the process becomes frustrating and increases morbidity risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all necessary customization calculations and bend determinations in advance, before the surgery begins. By pre-planning the entire rod bending sequence based on patient-specific anatomy, the system eliminates the need for iterative adjustments during surgery, thereby reducing the risk of fixation system failure associated with repeated bending attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the iterative mechanical trial-and-error bending process with a computer-calculated deterministic process. The computer system precisely determines the optimal bend parameters in advance, eliminating the frustration and reliability risks associated with manual iterative adjustments, while maintaining full customization to patient anatomy.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple bends are made in the rod during surgery, then the rod can be customized to fit, but metal fatigue and stress risers are promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the optimal bend configuration in advance, identifying the minimum number of bends required to achieve the desired rod shape. By pre-calculating the exact bend locations and angles needed, the system minimizes the total number of bends, thereby reducing metal fatigue and stress risers while maintaining full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the bend parameters (location, angle, radius) to achieve the desired rod configuration with minimal intervention. By carefully selecting bend parameters that distribute stress evenly and avoid sharp angles, the system maintains rod integrity and fatigue resistance while still providing full customization to patient anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
A digitizer pointer is provided as part of a system for correcting a curvature or deformity in a patient's spine based on the digitized locations of implanted screws and tracking the placement of the rod as it is placed in a minimally invasive fashion. The digitizer pointer is includes an offset adjustment feature, a swivel feature, and a translation feature.