Sacro-iliac Joint Implant Placement via CT-Guided Density Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sacro-iliac joint fusion lack precision in implant placement, particularly in areas of higher bone density, which affects the mechanical stability of the implant construct across the sacro-iliac joint.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for implant placement across the sacro-iliac joint that involves inserting guide pins and implants into specific anatomical locations, utilizing anterior and lateral views to target denser bone areas within the sacrum, ensuring the implants pass through articular cartilage for enhanced stability, and using anatomical landmarks to avoid neural and vascular structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implants are placed using conventional methods without bone density consideration, then the surgical procedure is simpler and faster, but the mechanical stability of the implant construct is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing CT scanning and bone density assessment before the surgical procedure. The surgeon evaluates the bone density at different portions of the sacrum in advance to plan the optimal implant placement trajectory, ensuring implants are placed in areas with higher bone density to maximize mechanical stability while avoiding neural and vascular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific regions of the sacrum with higher bone density for implant placement. Instead of uniform placement, the surgeon selectively positions implants in portions of the sacrum that have denser bone structure, optimizing the local mechanical properties of the implant-bone interface to enhance overall construct stability.
2Reliability
If open surgical approaches are used to access the SI joint, then the surgeon can directly visualize and treat the joint, but the surgical incision size and soft tissue dissection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional open surgical approaches with image-guided percutaneous implant placement. Instead of making large incisions and performing deep soft tissue dissection for direct visualization, the surgeon uses CT imaging and fluoroscopy to guide implant insertion through smaller incisions, reducing soft tissue trauma while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If implants are placed laterally to medially across the SI joint, then the standard technique is followed, but the risk of impinging on neural and vascular structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using real-time imaging guidance (CT and fluoroscopy) during the implant placement process. The surgeon continuously monitors the implant trajectory and position relative to neural foramina and vascular structures, adjusting the insertion path as needed to avoid harmful structures while maintaining the lateral-to-medial placement direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies another dimension by incorporating three-dimensional spatial awareness through CT imaging and fluoroscopic guidance. The surgeon plans the implant trajectory in multiple dimensions (sagittal, coronal, and axial planes) to optimize the path across the SI joint while avoiding neural and vascular structures that lie in specific spatial zones.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to implant placement into bone. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to implant placement across the sacro-iliac joint. Placement can be facilitated using various CT imaging views that allow the implants to be placed in bone associated with articular cartilage.