Robotic Vertebral Bone Preparation for Precise Disc Prosthesis Fit
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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 pain and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system and method for preparing the vertebral disc space by generating 3D models of vertebrae, selecting the appropriate prosthesis, and robotically guiding cutting devices 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 is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the actual prosthesis implantation. The robotic system includes a robotic arm with end effectors that execute precisely controlled bone preparation and prosthesis placement based on pre-operative planning, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy while maintaining surgical flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical techniques with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm with controlled end effectors substitutes the surgeon's manual instruments, providing mechanically precise bone cutting, shaping, and prosthesis placement. This substitution enables sub-millimeter positioning accuracy that is difficult to achieve with manual techniques alone.
2Productivity
If traditional surgical methods are used, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but surgery time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive pre-operative planning where the optimal prosthesis position, bone preparation geometry, and implantation trajectory are determined before surgery using 3D imaging and computational planning. This preliminary action allows the robotic system to execute standardized, pre-programmed sequences during surgery, significantly reducing operative time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes advanced imaging modalities (CT, MRI) to obtain precise 3D anatomical parameters of the patient's spine. These parameters are processed to generate customized surgical plans with specific geometric parameters for bone preparation and prosthesis placement. The robotic system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time feedback, optimizing surgery efficiency while maintaining precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standardized implantation procedures are used, then positioning consistency improves, but adaptability to individual patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the robotic surgical plan for each patient's specific anatomy while maintaining standardized precision protocols. The system adapts bone preparation geometry, prosthesis size, and placement parameters to match individual anatomical variations identified through pre-operative imaging, ensuring both consistency in execution and adaptability to patient-specific characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comprehensive pre-operative customization where the robotic system is programmed with patient-specific anatomical data and customized surgical parameters before the procedure. This preliminary customization enables the system to adapt to individual anatomy while maintaining consistent, repeatable execution standards throughout the surgery, resolving the contradiction between standardization and personalization.
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.