Pedicle Screw Trajectory Planning for Faster Spinal Fusion Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The planning process for pedicle screw placement in spinal fusion surgeries is time-consuming and complex, especially with the use of surgical navigation or robots, and existing automated methods are biased by training data and require manual annotation, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining pedicle screw trajectories using a scan of the spine, identifying vertebral components, and optimizing screw placement based on weighted factors, allowing for customized and automated planning that can be adjusted by surgeons, with options for robotic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pedicle screw planning is performed, then surgical precision can be achieved, but the planning process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-planning of pedicle screw trajectories by having the computer execute algorithms that automatically determine optimal screw paths, entry points, and orientations based on patient-specific imaging data, eliminating the need for manual planning while maintaining surgical precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical planning process with a computer-based automated system that uses imaging data and algorithms to determine screw trajectories, substituting human manual operations with computational processes that are both precise and efficient
2Productivity
If existing automated methods are used, then planning time is reduced, but the results are biased by training data and require manual annotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the bias from training data by using patient-specific imaging data as the primary input rather than relying on pre-trained models that may contain annotator biases, thereby improving result consistency while maintaining automated efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated processing of imaging data to identify vertebral structures and generate initial trajectory plans before surgical execution, eliminating the need for manual annotation during the surgical workflow while ensuring reliable and consistent results
3Measurement precision
If surgical navigation or robots are used, then surgical accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the planning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated planning system serves as a universal interface that works with multiple surgical approaches including navigation and robotic systems, providing a standardized planning output that simplifies the overall process despite the complexity of the assisting technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex planning process into distinct automated components including imaging data processing, vertebral structure identification, trajectory calculation, and parameter optimization, making the overall complex process more manageable and integrated
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically determining pedicle screw trajectories for surgery may be provided. A scan of a spine may be received, and positions of one or more vertebra and one or more components of the one or more vertebra in the scan may be identified. Next, a screw trajectory planning algorithm may determine an initial screw trajectory plan using the positions of the one or more vertebra and the one or more components. The screw trajectory planning algorithm may then determine a revised screw trajectory plan by revising the initial screw trajectory plan according to weighted factors.