Sensor-Equipped Spinal Implant for Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal implant procedures face challenges in accurately determining the target mechanical properties of spacers to achieve optimal spinal column stabilization, as these properties cannot be predicted with sufficient accuracy beforehand.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sensor-equipped temporary spinal implant to collect measurement data on strain or force, which is used to select a second implant with appropriate material properties for long-term use, ensuring optimal spinal stabilization by replacing the temporary implant during a second surgical procedure or within the same procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spacer is inserted between adjacent spinous processes to provide elastic resistance, then spinal column stabilization is achieved, but the target mechanical properties cannot be predicted with sufficient accuracy beforehand
Solution Approach 1:
A temporary test implant with sensor is installed before the final implant to perform preliminary measurements of actual mechanical loads and strains in the spinal column. This preliminary action provides real data on the mechanical environment, enabling accurate selection of the final implant's mechanical properties without relying on inaccurate predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor embedded in the test implant continuously measures strain or force data from the spinal column and transmits this information to a remote device. This feedback loop provides real-time data on actual mechanical conditions, allowing clinicians to select a final implant with precisely matched mechanical properties based on measured rather than predicted values.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is embedded in the first spinal implant to collect measurement data, then accurate selection of the second implant is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first spinal implant is designed as a temporary test implant that will be removed after serving its measurement purpose. This disposable approach allows the use of a more complex sensor-equipped design without permanent commitment, as the implant is discarded after collecting the necessary mechanical data before the final implant installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the spinal implant and the external measurement system. It translates mechanical strain or force into electrical signals that can be transmitted and analyzed remotely, enabling accurate mechanical property measurement without requiring complex external measurement equipment during surgery.
3Measurement precision
If the first and second implants are installed in separate surgical procedures, then accurate implant selection is achieved, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test implant with sensor is installed in advance during the first surgical procedure to collect mechanical data before the patient leaves the operating room. This preliminary measurement action is completed during the same anesthesia period, minimizing additional time loss while enabling accurate final implant selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process continues uninterrupted from the first surgical procedure through post-operative monitoring. The sensor collects continuous strain or force data as the patient moves and experiences normal physiological loads, providing comprehensive mechanical information without requiring separate dedicated measurement sessions.
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
This approach allows for precise selection and placement of spinal implants based on real-time data, enhancing the accuracy of spinal stabilization and improving the mechanical properties of the spacer, thereby providing better long-term spinal column support.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data
Data Source
AI summary
A method of spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant having a sensor associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant based on measurement data provided by the sensor; and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant. The first and second implants may be installed in separate surgical procedures, or during the same surgical procedure, and the implants may be positioned between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process and advantageously directly engage the same. The selection of the second implant may be based on the data provided by the sensor and a material property of the second spinal implant, such as its stiffness. The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data. The sensor may be, but is not required to be, embedded in the first spinal implant. A corresponding apparatus is described.