Navigated Force-Sensing Instruments for Spinal Correction Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal deformity correction procedures lack effective feedback and control mechanisms for applying corrective forces, leading to potential complications and inefficiencies in surgery.

Innovation Solution

Navigated force sensing instruments with optical tracking and flexible portions to measure deflections and stiffness, integrated with navigation systems to track instrument location and characterize spinal stiffness, providing real-time feedback and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual force application is used for spinal deformity correction, then the surgeon can apply corrective forces to the spine, but there is insufficient feedback and control on the applied forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and reliability of corrective force applicationVSAvoidfeedback on applied forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements force sensing instruments with sensors that measure the magnitude and direction of corrective forces applied to the spine. This feedback is integrated with navigation systems to provide real-time information to the surgeon about the forces being applied, enabling precise control and monitoring of the correction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical force application with an electromechanical system that uses motors to apply controlled forces. This substitution enables precise control of force magnitude and direction while eliminating the lack of feedback inherent in manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional navigation systems are used to track instrument location, then the position can be monitored, but there is no measurement of applied forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracy of instrument locationVSAvoidforce measurement data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines navigation systems that track instrument location with force sensing capabilities in a single integrated system. The navigation system and force sensors work together to simultaneously provide both positional tracking and force measurement, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional instrument that performs both navigation (location tracking) and force measurement functions. This universal system provides comprehensive monitoring of both the position and the mechanical effects of corrective forces during spinal deformity correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid instruments are used for spinal correction, then structural stability is maintained, but the stiffness of the spine cannot be characterized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability of correction instrumentVSAvoidspine stiffness characterization

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the correction instrument into rigid segments for structural stability and flexible portions with sensors for measurement. The flexible portions contain force sensors that can deform with the spine while the rigid segments provide overall structural support, enabling both stability and measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the instrument: rigid sections provide structural stability while flexible sections with embedded sensors enable force measurement and spine stiffness characterization. Each portion is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances safety and reliability of spinal deformity correction by accurately measuring and applying forces, ensuring precise spinal alignment and stability during surgery.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible portion located along the body... Knowledge of the stiffnesses of these portions of these instruments may be employed to calculate the force applied to the instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

navigated instruments may be tracked during spinal procedures... Force sensing instruments, which employ optical tracking methods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical tracking: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250345128A1Navigated force sensing instruments

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Navigated force sensing instrument, systems, and methods. The navigated force sensing instruments may be used for applying forces to correct the spine, for example, in compression, distraction, reduction, and/or derotation. The trackable instrument includes markers viewable and trackable by a navigation system, including rigid and movable markers. The trackable instrument includes a flexible portion located between the rigid and movable markers. When a surgical task is performed, the markers indicate the amount of force applied to the instrument and/or a stiffness of the spine.