Robotic Bone Preparation for Precise Disc Prosthesis Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral disc prosthesis implantation techniques face challenges in accurately positioning the prostheses, leading to issues such as improper placement, restricted motion, wear, and inadequate adherence to vertebral bone, which can cause patient discomfort and require additional surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system and method for preparing the vertebral disc space by generating a 3D model of the vertebrae, selecting the appropriate prosthesis, and robotically guiding a cutting device to shape the bone for precise fit, using imaging and tracking technologies to ensure accurate placement of the intervertebral disc prosthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual techniques are used for prosthesis implantation, then surgeon flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but positioning accuracy and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the actual bone preparation and prosthesis implantation. The system includes a robotic arm with end effectors that execute precisely controlled cutting and shaping operations based on pre-planned trajectories, while the surgeon maintains control through a console interface. This intermediary robotic system eliminates manual positioning errors while preserving surgeon adaptability through real-time control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical bone preparation techniques with a robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm substitutes the surgeon's hands and manual instruments, providing mechanically precise control over cutting depth, angle, and trajectory. The system uses computer-controlled mechanisms rather than manual manipulation to achieve consistent, accurate bone preparation and prosthesis placement.
2Productivity
If traditional surgical methods are used, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but surgery time and blood loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary planning and preparation before the actual surgery. A 3D model of the patient's anatomy is created preoperatively, and the optimal prosthesis size, position, and orientation are determined in advance. The robotic system then executes the pre-planned bone preparation and implantation steps efficiently during surgery, reducing intraoperative decision-making time and procedural variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including imaging guidance (CT, fluoroscopy, or optical tracking) that continuously monitor the position of the robotic arm, cutting tools, and prosthesis. This feedback loop allows the system to make real-time adjustments to maintain positioning accuracy and ensures the prosthesis is implanted at the optimal location, reducing the need for revision procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual bone preparation is performed, then adaptability to anatomical variations is maintained, but positioning consistency and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system applies local quality by customizing the bone preparation and prosthesis implantation parameters for each specific anatomical location and patient. The system creates patient-specific 3D models and plans that account for individual anatomical variations in vertebral shape, size, and orientation. The robotic arm executes location-specific cutting patterns and prosthesis positioning tailored to each patient's unique anatomy, ensuring both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the patient's anatomy and surgical requirements. The robotic control system can modify cutting depth, speed, trajectory, and orientation in real-time based on pre-planned parameters and intraoperative feedback. The system accommodates anatomical variations by changing preparation parameters (cutting angles, depths, trajectories) and prosthesis positioning parameters (orientation, depth, location) to achieve optimal outcomes for each patient.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for robotically preparing a disc space are provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The system includes three-dimensional modeling to identify positions of vertebrae adjacent a surgical site and a disc selection interface in a computing system to allow the surgeon to select an intervertebral disc prosthesis for implantation. A bone cutting interface allows the surgeon to determine a bone cutting pattern tailored to both the three-dimensional positions of the vertebrae and the selected intervertebral disc. A robot controls a cutting device or guides a cutting device to cut the vertebral bone in the bone cutting pattern.