Pedicle Screw Placement Algorithm Using 3D Model Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the optimal placement of pedicle screws in spinal fusion procedures are complex and lack reproducibility, often resulting in inaccurate placement that can damage vertebrae or fail to provide sufficient anchorage.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a processing unit to adapt a global model data set representing human vertebrae and pedicle screw models to patient-specific image data, ensuring precise placement by aligning model surfaces with actual vertebrae images and adjusting parameters like penetration depth and screw direction to prevent damage and ensure anchorage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods are used for determining optimal placement of pedicle screws, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the placement accuracy is insufficient and vertebrae may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing virtual surgical planning and determining optimal screw trajectories before the actual surgery. The system calculates precise placement parameters including entry points, angles, and depths in advance using 3D modeling and optimization algorithms, ensuring accurate guidance during the actual surgical procedure and preventing vertebrae damage.
2Measurement precision
If complex determination methods are used for optimal placement, then placement accuracy may improve, but the determination process becomes less reproducible and more difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual determination methods with an automated computer-based system that uses 3D modeling, algorithmic optimization, and virtual simulation. The system automatically calculates optimal screw trajectories, entry points, and angles using mathematical models and computational algorithms, eliminating the need for complex manual measurements and improving both accuracy and reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying and optimizing multiple parameters including screw diameter, length, entry point coordinates, trajectory angles, and penetration depth. The optimization algorithm adjusts these parameters to find the optimal configuration that maximizes anchorage strength while minimizing the risk of damaging vital structures, providing precise and reproducible results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual determination methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but the process lacks reproducibility and automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual determination methods with an automated computer-based system that processes patient-specific 3D imaging data and automatically calculates optimal screw placement parameters. The system maintains flexibility by adapting to different patient anatomies and surgical requirements while providing fully automated, reproducible results through algorithmic optimization and virtual surgical planning.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (2) for determining an optimal placement of a pedicle screw (4), comprising a processing unit (14), wherein the processing unit is configured to receive a model data set representing a model surface (22) of a human vertebra model (18) and a pedicle screw model (30) being optimally placed in a span of a pedicle section (28) of the model surface, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive 5 image data representing a surface image (26) of at least one human vertebra (6), and wherein the processing unit is configured to adapt the model data set for each of a number of the at least one human vertebra, such that an adapted model data set representing a correspondingly adapted model surface (36), which fits to the surface image of the respective human vertebra, is provided for each of the number of the at least one human vertebra, wherein each of the 10 adapted model data sets also represents a correspondingly adapted pedicle screw model (38). The present invention further relates to a corresponding method, a corresponding computer program element and a corresponding computer readable medium.