Spine Measurement System Using Encoded Collar and Camera
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for spine surgery lack precision and consistency, leading to variations in surgical outcomes and increased costs due to reliance on surgeon skill and iterative techniques for pedicle screw placement, which can be time-consuming and require extensive training.
Innovation Solution
A spine measurement system incorporating an optical measurement probe, fluoroscope, and remote station with computer vision software to provide real-time quantitative measurement data for spine shape, pedicle screw placement, and prosthetic component alignment, reducing the need for iterative steps and improving surgical precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical techniques are used for pedicle screw placement, then surgeon skill and iterative techniques are required, but surgical time increases and outcomes vary significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-operative planning and creates a 3D model of the patient's anatomy before surgery. This preliminary action allows the surgical path to be predetermined and visualized, eliminating the need for iterative intraoperative adjustments and reducing surgical time while improving outcome consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during surgery by comparing actual screw placement with the pre-planned trajectory using image registration and overlay technology. This feedback mechanism allows surgeons to verify placement accuracy immediately, reducing the need for revision and improving overall outcome consistency.
2Measurement precision
If specialized measurement equipment is acquired to improve measurement precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but capital expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing fluoroscopy equipment, which is already present in most orthopedic operating rooms, and enhances it with software-based measurement capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the existing equipment to serve both diagnostic imaging and precise measurement functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized measurement devices and reducing capital expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual 3D copy of the patient's anatomy from pre-operative imaging data and uses this digital model for measurement and planning. This virtual copying approach provides high-precision measurements without requiring physical measurement tools or specialized hardware, thereby reducing equipment costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
The system enhances surgical accuracy and reduces surgical time by providing precise measurement data, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs by minimizing the need for capital expenditures on specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measurement probe 12 views a position of one or more targets 14
Implementation Method 2
a fluoroscope 18
Data Source
AI summary
A spine measurement system comprising a camera, an encoded collar, and a remote station. A rod is shaped having one or more bends to modify a curvature of a spine. The encoded collar is coupled to the rod. The encoded collar includes a plurality of markings where each marking represents a rod position. The rod and encoded collar are in a field of view of the camera. The camera takes a number of images as the rod rotates at least 360 degrees. The remote station measures the 2D images to produce quantitative measurements that yield a 3D model of the rod shape. The remote station can use the 3D rod shape to determine metrics that relate to how the rod shapes the spine. For example, a Cobb angle can be calculated from the rod shape to determine if the rod yields the desired spine outcome.