Sensorized Spinal Instrument for Vertebral Load and Alignment Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 fusion and alignment during spinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a receiver and multiple wands that provide positional information for spinal alignment, coupled with sensorized instruments for load and location sensing, allowing for intra-operative corrections and optimal prosthetic sizing and placement, utilizing ultrasonic, optical, or electromagnetic sensing for precise tracking and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical methods are used for spine surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but real-time assessment of spinal alignment and implant placement precision is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through sensorized surgical instruments that continuously monitor load forces and positional information during spine surgery. The sensors provide immediate data about vertebral loading and alignment, allowing surgeons to assess spinal parameters intra-operatively and make precise adjustments to achieve optimal fusion and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment assessment methods with sensor-based detection systems. Instead of relying on visual inspection or manual measurement tools, the system uses electronic sensors embedded in surgical instruments to detect load forces, positional information, and vertebral movement, converting mechanical parameters into electronic signals for real-time analysis.
2Measurement precision
If sensorized instruments are implemented for real-time sensing, then measurement precision and real-time feedback are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors, electronics, and processing components within the structure of existing surgical instruments. The sensorized head assembly is nested within the instrument handle, with sensors embedded in the working surfaces that contact vertebrae. This nesting approach allows the addition of sensing capabilities without significantly increasing the external dimensions or complicating the overall instrument architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensorized surgical instruments are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical surgery, load sensing, positional tracking, and real-time data transmission. By making the instruments multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while expanding capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise tracking and real-time feedback systems are used, then surgical precision is improved, but the time and resources required for surgery increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-operative planning and registration procedures that establish coordinate systems and target parameters before surgery begins. This preliminary setup allows the real-time sensing system to provide immediate feedback during the actual implant placement, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurements and adjustments during the surgical procedure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensorized instruments provide self-measuring capabilities, automatically detecting load forces, positional information, and alignment parameters without requiring separate measurement tools or procedures. The instruments perform their primary surgical function while simultaneously gathering precise data, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming measurement steps.
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 real-time visualization and tracking of spinal alignment and vertebral movement, facilitating precise corrections and optimal implant placement, thereby improving surgical outcomes and reducing recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
The wand includes a transceiver for transmitting ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 2
The transceiver modulates data onto power signals generated by the power supply for wireless energy and data transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A load balance and 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-vertebral space. The system can report optimal prosthetic size and placement in view of the sensed load and location parameters including optional orientation, rotation and insertion angle along a determined insert trajectory.