Spinal Correction Navigation Using Robotic Force and Alignment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery methods rely heavily on tactile feedback and visual perception, lacking real-time imaging and diagnostic information, leading to imprecise and incomplete corrections of spinal deformities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of robotic, imaging, and navigation technologies to provide data-driven surgical navigation and electromechanical control, using screw systems to transmit corrective forces and maintain spinal alignment during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgeons manually apply corrective forces based on tactile feedback and visual perception, then the procedure can be performed with current equipment, but the precision and accuracy of spinal correction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems including imaging devices (fluoroscopy, CT, MRI) that continuously monitor spinal alignment during surgery, and force sensors that measure corrective forces applied to the spine. This feedback loop allows surgeons to adjust their manual corrective forces based on quantitative data, significantly improving measurement precision from post-operative X-ray only to real-time intraoperative monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely tactile mechanical feedback with electronic and optical sensing systems. Force sensors, imaging devices, and computerized navigation systems substitute for the surgeon's tactile perception, providing objective, quantifiable data about spinal alignment and corrective forces, thereby enhancing precision beyond human sensory capabilities.
2Loss of information
If surgeons rely on tactile feedback and visual perception without real-time imaging, then the surgical procedure can be completed faster, but the information available for decision-making is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and correction planning before surgery begins. Pre-operative CT scans and 3D modeling are completed in advance, allowing the surgical team to have a detailed roadmap ready. This preliminary action ensures that when surgery begins, all necessary information is already processed and available, minimizing intraoperative delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous imaging and monitoring throughout the surgical procedure. Rather than taking intermittent snapshots, the system maintains continuous visualization of spinal alignment and corrective forces, ensuring that information is always available without requiring pauses in the surgical workflow. This continuity eliminates information gaps while maintaining surgical momentum.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgeons make judgment calls based on prior experience, then the procedure can be performed without complex algorithms, but the decisions may not be optimized for individual patient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computational algorithms to analyze multiple patient-specific parameters including bone density, spinal curvature measurements, vertebral anatomy, and tissue mechanics. These parameters are processed to generate customized correction plans that adapt to each patient's unique condition. The system changes and optimizes correction parameters based on individual patient data rather than applying standardized approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs comprehensive pre-operative planning that includes 3D modeling, simulation of corrective forces, and optimization of surgical approaches before entering the operating room. This preliminary computational analysis allows the system to adapt to individual patient conditions in advance, creating customized plans that account for specific anatomical variations, bone densities, and deformity characteristics without adding complexity during the actual surgery.
4Manufacturing precision
If surgeons manually exert force on correction equipment, then the system can be operated with simple mechanics, but the precision and control of corrective forces are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual force application with electromechanical actuators and robotic systems that can precisely control corrective forces. These systems use motors, sensors, and computer control to apply forces with precision beyond human capability, while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive control interfaces and automated guidance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements force sensors and strain gauges that continuously measure the corrective forces being applied to the spine. This feedback is fed to the control system, which adjusts the actuators in real-time to maintain precise force levels. The closed-loop control ensures that the intended corrective forces are accurately applied, improving precision while keeping the system easy to operate through automated regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical navigation system is provided to create a plan to correct a deformed spinal alignment. A processor is configured to obtain a first set of image data associated with a deformed alignment in a spine of a patient from at least one imaging device. The processor is also configured to process the first set of image data to identify a set of deformed alignment parameters associated with the deformed alignment. The processor is further configured to identify a set of corrected alignment parameters. The processor is also configured to process the first set of image data, the set of deformed alignment parameters, and the set of corrected alignment parameters to generate a correction plan to surgically manipulate the deformed alignment to the preferred alignment. The processor is additionally configured to provide navigation through the correction plan to facilitate surgical manipulation of a patient spine to the preferred alignment. The processor is also configured to receive information relating to forces on a rod-link reducer or surgical implants from strain gauges to aid the correction plan.