Spinal Balance Assessment Software for Pre- and Intraoperative Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal fusion and fixation procedures lack effective tools for assessing and maintaining spinal balance during and after surgery, leading to increased loads on untreated levels and potential hardware failure.

Innovation Solution

A balance assessment application utilizing a network structure for secure data management and spatial mapping technology to evaluate and maintain spinal balance through preoperative planning, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative follow-up, incorporating modules for image analysis, virtual reconstruction, and surgical simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If spinal fusion and fixation procedures are performed to treat spinal ailments, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal balance assessment capability deteriorates due to lack of effective tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidspinal balance assessment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a balance assessment application that provides real-time feedback during surgical procedures. The system captures intraoperative images, compares them with preoperative plans, and provides quantitative feedback on spinal balance parameters (sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis) to guide surgeons in achieving optimal balance while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment methods with a digital imaging and computational system. The balance assessment application uses image processing algorithms to automatically calculate spinal balance parameters, substituting traditional mechanical measurement tools with optical-digital-mechanical integration for more precise assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixation systems are implanted across multiple spinal levels to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilityVSAvoidfixation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preoperative planning modules that simulate various fixation configurations and predict their impact on spinal balance. By performing virtual assessments before surgery, the system helps surgeons optimize fixation system design, potentially reducing the number of levels requiring fixation while maintaining stability and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If resection of ligaments and boney elements is performed to access disc space and decompress nerves, then spinal decompression is improved, but spinal instability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal decompressionVSAvoidspinal instability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The balance assessment application provides real-time feedback on how resection activities affect spinal balance parameters. By monitoring changes in sagittal vertical axis and pelvic tilt during surgery, the system alerts surgeons to potential instability, enabling them to adjust their approach to maintain balance while achieving necessary decompression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If spinal procedures are performed without real-time balance assessment tools, then surgical procedure simplicity is maintained, but adjacent level disease risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure simplicityVSAvoidadjacent level disease risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent automates balance assessment through digital imaging and computational algorithms, replacing complex manual measurement procedures. This automated system maintains ease of operation by providing one-click assessment capabilities while significantly improving reliability through precise, consistent measurement of spinal balance parameters that predict adjacent level disease risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12357384B2Spinal balance assessment

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 NUVASIVE INC

AI summary

The present application describes computer apparatus and software programs useful to the field of corrective spinal surgery. The apparatus and software implement and facilitate methods for assessing the degree of balance and alignment achieved through corrective measures applied to the spine prior to completing a surgical procedure. The apparatus and software facilitate pre-operative planning and virtual testing of the corrective measures to be applied. The apparatus and software further facilitate intra-operative reconciliation with the pre-operative plan prior to completing the surgery.