Spinal Procedure Outcome Prediction via Combined Sensor Scores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the need for spinal surgery and predicting its outcome are subjective and lack objective criteria, relying on arbitrary 'cut-points' based on surgical experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a range of motion module, a quality of sleep module, an overall module, and a control module to determine a combined score based on range of motion and quality of sleep/pain scores, and predicts the outcome of a spinal procedure by comparing this score to a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective determination methods based on surgical experience are used, then the decision-making process is simple and quick, but the objective criteria and measurement precision are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective human judgment mechanism with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Sensors objectively measure range of motion, quality of sleep, and pain levels, converting subjective clinical assessment into quantifiable objective data that can be processed algorithmically to determine surgical candidacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative clinical parameters (surgeon experience, subjective assessment) into quantitative measurable parameters (range of motion scores, sleep quality scores, pain scores). This parameter transformation enables precise threshold-based decision-making with predetermined cut-points for objective surgical candidacy determination.
2Ease of manufacture
If arbitrary cut-points based on surgical experience are used, then the method is easy to implement, but the reliability and consistency of outcome prediction are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined threshold values (cut-points) for range of motion, quality of sleep, and pain scores before clinical decision-making. These pre-defined thresholds provide consistent objective criteria for determining surgical candidacy, eliminating variability in interpretation while maintaining ease of implementation through clear binary decision rules.
3Measurement precision
If sensor-based objective measurement systems are implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the overall assessment system into three independent sensor modules measuring distinct parameters: range of motion, quality of sleep, and pain levels. Each module operates independently with its own sensors and scoring algorithm, then combines results through a composite index. This segmentation reduces individual module complexity while achieving comprehensive objective measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a range of motion, quality of sleep, overall, and control modules. The range of motion module, prior to a procedure being performed on a patient, determines a first range of motion score of the patient based on a first signal generated by a sensor. The quality of sleep module, prior to the procedure being performed on the patient, determines a first quality of sleep score or a first pain score based on the first signal. The overall module determines a combined score based on the first range of motion score and the first quality of sleep score or the first pain score. The control module compares the combined score to a predetermined threshold and predicts an outcome of the procedure based on the comparison. The control module, based on the combined score, determines whether to perform the procedure, adjust the procedure or refrain from performing the procedure.