Rod Reduction Tool with Force Sensors for Spinal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
During spinal procedures, the rod reduction process often results in excessive forces being applied to pedicle screws and rods, leading to potential breakage or loosening, especially when aligning multiple vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a tool with integrated force sensors to monitor and measure forces and torques applied during the rod reduction process, utilizing real-time data to adjust the process and prevent excessive forces that could damage screws or rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the rod is reduced onto multiple pedicle screws to achieve spinal alignment, then the spinal alignment is improved, but excessive forces are applied to the screws and rod causing potential breakage or loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates force sensors that continuously monitor forces applied during rod reduction and provide real-time feedback to the operator through a user interface. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to adjust the applied forces to remain within safe thresholds, preventing screw loosening or rod breakage while achieving proper spinal alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines safe force thresholds for each pedicle screw based on screw properties (diameter, length, bone density) before the rod reduction process begins. These pre-calculated thresholds are stored and used as reference limits during the actual rod reduction procedure, guiding the operator to apply forces that achieve alignment without exceeding safety limits.
2Reliability
If force sensors and real-time monitoring systems are integrated into the rod reduction tool, then the safety and precision of the procedure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod reduction tool is designed as a multi-functional device that combines rod reduction capabilities with integrated force sensing, data processing, and user interface functions. This universal tool eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive real-time monitoring and control features.
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
The system effectively prevents breakage or loosening of pedicle screws and rods by monitoring and controlling the forces applied during the rod reduction process, ensuring safer and more precise spinal alignment.
Implementation Method 1
A tool with integrated force sensors to monitor and measure forces and torques applied during the rod reduction process
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for monitoring a rod reduction process is provided. The methods and systems include determining, based on at least one parameter, a threshold for forces exerted by a tool on a rod or a pedicle screw and receiving data corresponding to a magnitude of the forces exerted by the tool on the pedicle screw or the rod during reduction of the rod into a head of the pedicle screw. A surgical plan may be updated when the monitored magnitude meets the threshold.