Sensorized Spinal Distraction Tool for Vertebral Load Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for spine surgery lack effective tools for real-time assessment of spinal alignment and optimal implant placement, leading to challenges in achieving precise corrections and ensuring long-term stability of spinal implants.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a wand and receiver with sensorized devices that provide real-time positional information for spinal alignment, load balance, and alignment feedback, allowing for intra-operative corrections and optimal placement of vertebral components like spinal cages or pedicle screws, using ultrasonic, optical, or electromagnetic sensing technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional surgical methods are used for spine surgery, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but real-time assessment of spinal alignment and implant placement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal alignment measurement precisionVSAvoidreal-time positional information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment tools with sensorized devices that use ultrasonic, optical, or electromagnetic fields to detect and transmit positional information. The wand contains sensors that generate and detect these fields to determine three-dimensional position and orientation data, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensorized wands and receivers as intermediary devices between the surgeon and the spinal structures. These intermediaries capture real-time positional information through sensor fields and transmit this data to provide continuous feedback on alignment and implant placement, bridging the information gap in traditional surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensorized devices are added to provide real-time tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertebral movement tracking precisionVSAvoidsurgical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensorized wand is designed as a multi-functional device that combines multiple sensor types (ultrasonic, optical, electromagnetic) within a single instrument. This allows the same device to perform various measurement functions including position tracking, orientation detection, and load measurement, reducing the need for multiple separate complex devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple sensing technologies into a single integrated wand device. The sensorized head combines ultrasonic transducers, optical sensors, and electromagnetic detectors that work together to provide comprehensive real-time feedback, simplifying the overall surgical system while enhancing measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time feedback systems are implemented, then surgical correction accuracy is improved, but the complexity of intra-operative procedures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical correction accuracyVSAvoidintra-operative procedure ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensorized devices continuously monitor spinal alignment and implant placement, and this information is immediately displayed to the surgeon through a user interface. The system provides real-time feedback on positional accuracy and alignment deviations, enabling dynamic adjustments during surgery to achieve precise corrections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise real-time tracking of vertebral movement and load distribution, facilitating accurate surgical corrections and optimal implant placement, thereby improving surgical outcomes and long-term implant stability.

Implementation Method 1

using ultrasonic, optical, or electromagnetic sensing technologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic sensing: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

using ultrasonic, optical, or electromagnetic sensing technologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Light

Implementation Method 3

using ultrasonic, optical, or electromagnetic sensing technologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8945133B2Spinal distraction tool for load and position measurement

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

A spine alignment system is provided to assess load forces on the vertebra in conjunction with overall spinal alignment. The system includes a spine instrument having an electronic assembly and a sensorized head. The sensorized head can be inserted between vertebra and report vertebral conditions such as force, pressure, orientation and edge loading. A GUI is therewith provided to show where the spine instrument is positioned relative to vertebral bodies as the instrument is placed in the inter-vetebral space. The system can distract vertebrae to a first height and measure the load applied by the spine region. The GUI can indicate that the load is outside a predetermined range. The spine region can be distracted to a second height where the load is measured within the predetermined load range.