Spinal Rod Bending Planning With IR Screw Tracking
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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 (IR) position sensor and IR-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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual and iterative rod bending methods are used, then surgeons can adjust rod configuration flexibly, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary digital planning and generates bend instructions before the actual rod bending procedure. The control unit calculates optimal rod configurations and provides step-by-step bend instructions in advance, allowing surgeons to prepare the rod bending process beforehand rather than making iterative adjustments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical rod bending with an automated system that uses image processing, computational algorithms, and automated bending devices. The control unit processes surgical site images, generates digital bend instructions, and guides automated bending mechanisms to execute precise rod configurations without manual iteration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual rod bending is performed, then surgeons can adapt to anatomical variations, but subjectivity and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where the control unit continuously monitors surgical site images, compares actual rod configuration against planned configuration, and provides real-time corrections. Image processing algorithms analyze anatomical structures and adjust bend instructions based on measured anatomical variations, ensuring both adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies and models of the patient's anatomy through image processing and 3D reconstruction. These digital models serve as precise templates for rod configuration planning, allowing the system to adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational geometry rather than manual estimation.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative rod bending adjustments are made, then fit can be improved, but morbidity and risk of fixation failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive digital planning and virtual rod bending simulations before actual surgery. The control unit calculates optimal bend configurations that ensure proper fit on the first attempt, eliminating the need for iterative adjustments during surgery that could compromise fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual iterative rod bending with automated precision bending devices guided by computational algorithms. This substitution ensures consistent, reproducible rod configurations with precise control over bend angles and positions, improving both fit quality and fixation system reliability by eliminating human error and tissue damage from repeated manual adjustments.
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
an infrared (IR) position sensor and an IR-reflective tracking array to digitize the location of surgical implants
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.