Spinal Rod Bending Planning for Precise Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery methods for correcting spinal deformities are time-consuming, subjective, and prone to errors due to the manual and iterative nature of rod bending, which can lead to increased morbidity and potential failure of fixation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an infrared position sensor and reflective tracking array to digitize surgical implant locations, coupled with a processing system that generates customized bend instructions for spinal rods based on clinical objectives, allowing for precise and efficient correction in both sagittal and coronal planes, and providing real-time assessment of spinal balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual and iterative rod bending methods are used, then surgeons can customize rod configurations, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical rod bending with a computer-controlled bending system. The system uses a C-arm fluoroscope for imaging, a control system for processing images and calculating bend parameters, and a robotic arm with a bending tool for automated rod manipulation. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual iterative process while maintaining customization capability through computer-based planning and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the rod bending process to be controlled automatically by the computer system based on pre-planned parameters. The robotic arm executes bending operations without continuous manual intervention, and the system self-corrects and adjusts based on real-time fluoroscopic imaging feedback, reducing reliance on surgeon skill and experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual rod bending is performed, then flexibility in configuration is achieved, but subjectivity and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through C-arm fluoroscopic imaging during the rod bending process. The control system processes these images to verify rod position and bending accuracy, allowing for immediate corrections. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates subjectivity by providing objective, image-based verification of each bending step, ensuring procedural accuracy while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by creating a detailed computer-based treatment plan before the actual rod bending occurs. The plan includes pre-calculated bend parameters, rod specifications, and step-by-step instructions. This preliminary planning phase allows for thorough verification and optimization of the rod configuration before execution, eliminating last-minute subjective decisions and reducing errors.
3Reliability
If traditional spinal surgery methods are used, then surgical correction can be performed, but morbidity increases due to prolonged operation time
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing manual rod bending with automated computer-controlled bending, the system significantly reduces operation time. The robotic arm can execute multiple bending operations quickly and precisely without the fatigue and time constraints of manual manipulation. This time reduction directly decreases morbidity while maintaining fixation system success through consistent, error-free bending execution.
4Measurement precision
If manual measurement and assessment of spinal parameters are performed, then pre-operative and post-operative analysis can be conducted, but intraoperative assessment capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual measurement methods with automated image processing and computer-based assessment. The C-arm fluoroscope captures real-time images during surgery, and the control system automatically measures spinal parameters, rod positions, and alignment metrics. This substitution provides precise intraoperative assessment capability that was previously unavailable, allowing surgeons to verify correction accuracy without leaving the operating room.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate customization of spinal rod bending, reducing operation time, minimizing morbidity, and enhancing the success of spinal fixation procedures by providing quantifiable and clinically preferred rod configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial tracking system comprising an IR sensor and an IR tracking array
Implementation Method 2
reflective tracking array to digitize surgical implant locations
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for planning, performing, and assessing of surgical correction to the spine during a spinal surgical procedure. This method is implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, digitize anatomical reference points, accept one or more correction inputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to engage the screws at locations distinct from the originally digitized locations.