Spinal Rod Bending With Spatial Tracking for Precise Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal rod bending systems are subjective, time-consuming, and prone to errors, leading to increased morbidity and potential failure in spinal fixation procedures due to the lack of precise customization to patient anatomy and clinical preferences.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a spatial tracking system with an IR position sensor and digitizer pointer to accurately determine surgical implant locations, coupled with processing software to generate customized bend instructions for a mechanical rod bender, allowing for precise spinal correction in multiple planes and planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual rod bending methods are used, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the precision and customization to patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preoperative planning and generates customized rod bending instructions before the actual surgery. The spatial relationship between vertebrae and desired correction parameters are calculated in advance, allowing the rod to be precisely bent according to pre-determined specifications rather than relying on intraoperative manual estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model or digital copy of the patient's spinal anatomy and desired correction. This digital representation is used to generate accurate bending instructions that replicate the planned correction, eliminating the need for complex manual measurements and calculations during surgery.
2Reliability
If traditional subjective rod bending methods are used, then the process is faster to set up, but the reliability and success rate deteriorates due to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates spatial tracking and measurement capabilities that provide real-time feedback on the actual positions of vertebrae and implants. This feedback is used to verify and adjust the rod bending instructions, ensuring that the final configuration matches the surgical plan with high precision, thereby improving reliability without significantly extending procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces subjective manual mechanical bending with computer-generated quantitative bending instructions. The mechanical rod bender is controlled by digitally derived parameters rather than operator estimation, eliminating human error and improving the reliability of the spinal fixation procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized rod bending instructions are generated, then the adaptability to patient anatomy improves, but the device complexity and setup time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal spatial tracking and measurement framework that can accommodate various spinal conditions, anatomical variations, and surgical approaches. The same core technology platform generates customized bending instructions for different patients and scenarios, making the system highly adaptable without requiring multiple specialized devices for each case type.
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 efficient and accurate customization of spinal rod bending, reducing procedure time, minimizing morbidity, and enhancing the success of spinal fixation by providing quantifiable and clinically preferred rod configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial tracking system with an IR position sensor and digitizer pointer to accurately determine surgical implant locations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for planning, performing, and assessing of surgical correction to the spine during a spinal surgical procedure. These methods are 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.