Spinal Implant Alignment Guide Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implantation procedures require multiple x-ray images for proper alignment, which is disruptive and costly, due to the difficulty in maintaining the lordotic angle and ensuring stability of the spinal column during fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of spinal implants with alignment guides and improved tamp levelers that provide visual indication of proper alignment, allowing surgeons to confirm the correct positioning of the implant within the disc space without repeated x-ray imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray images are used for proper alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment guides are pre-configured on the implant device with specific geometric patterns (e.g., circular patterns with diameters of 0.5mm to 2.0mm) that visually indicate alignment status. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated x-ray imaging during surgery, as the guides provide immediate visual feedback when the implant is properly positioned at the desired lordotic angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological measurement system (x-ray imaging) with an optical visualization system (alignment guides with visual patterns). The guides use geometric patterns that are directly visible during surgery, substituting the need for radiation-based measurement with a simple optical indication system that provides real-time alignment feedback.
2Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray images are used for proper alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment measurement function from the complex x-ray imaging system and integrates it directly into the implant device itself through alignment guides. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for repeated radiological equipment and procedures, while maintaining alignment precision through the embedded visual guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guides are simple, inexpensive geometric patterns (such as circular patterns with diameters of 0.5mm to 2.0mm) that can be manufactured directly on the implant. These simple visual indicators replace expensive and complex x-ray imaging systems, providing a cost-effective solution that achieves the same alignment precision without the high costs and complexity of radiological equipment.
3Ease of operation
If alignment guides are added to the implant, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guides are localized to specific regions of the implant device where they are most needed for alignment visualization. The guides incorporate specific geometric patterns (such as circular patterns with defined diameters) at strategic locations on the implant, providing localized visual feedback without requiring complex modifications to the entire device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure that include an implant having an alignment guide system. The alignment guide system may include one or more guide lines configured to provide a visual indication when the implant is properly aligned within the disc space. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more tamp levelers that also aid with the proper alignment of the implant within the disc space.