Musculoskeletal Posture Optimization for Spinal Alignment Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical planning systems fail to accurately predict post-operative sagittal alignment and maintain optimal global balance, leading to potential pain and disability due to local malalignment in spinal deformity and degenerative cases.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a biomechanical model aligned with vertebral bodies from radiographs, incorporating inverse-inverse dynamics for posture optimization, to simulate and predict post-operative spinal correction, considering spino-pelvic parameters and muscle forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing surgical planning systems are used, then spinal deformity correction can be planned, but post-operative sagittal alignment and global balance cannot be accurately predicted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction accuracy of post-operative sagittal alignmentVSAvoidaccuracy of post-operative global balance prediction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation of the surgical correction by applying virtual spinal correction inputs to the biomechanical model before actual surgery. This allows prediction of post-operative sagittal alignment and global balance to be made in advance, enabling accurate planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the patient's spine through a biomechanical model that replicates the actual anatomy and physiology. This digital twin allows simulation of surgical corrections without physical risk, enabling accurate prediction of post-operative alignment and balance by copying and analyzing the spinal structure computationally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If local malalignment is present, then spinal deformity can be corrected, but optimal global balance is distorted leading to pain and disability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal deformity correction precisionVSAvoidpain and disability from local malalignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the spinal correction into segmental levels, allowing independent optimization of each spinal segment while maintaining global balance. The biomechanical model enables precise control of local alignment at specific vertebral levels while ensuring that the overall sagittal balance and global posture remain optimal, preventing pain and disability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by simulating the effects of spinal correction inputs on post-operative sagittal alignment and global balance. This feedback mechanism allows adjustment of correction parameters to achieve optimal local alignment while maintaining global balance, thereby preventing pain and disability from malalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3911261B1Prediction of postoperative global sagittal alignment based on full-body musculoskeletal modeling and posture optimization

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 NUVASIVE INC

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AI summary

A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal pathology or spinal deformity correction in a subject, the system comprises a control unit configured to align one or more vertebral bodies of a biomechanical model to one or more vertebral bodies of the radiograph. The control unit is configured to receive one or more spinal correction inputs. The control unit is configured to, based on the received one or more spinal correction inputs, simulate the biomechanical model in a predetermined posture. The control unit is configured to provide for display one or more characteristics of the simulated biomechanical model.