Image Guided Intra-Operative Contouring Aid
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method comprising the steps of:
- a) implanting a plurality of pedicle screws into the spine of a patient, each screw having a head,b) contacting a tracking device to each head to allow a computer system to construct a virtual rod therefrom,c) reading a geometric descriptor of the virtual rod displayed by the computer system.
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Abstract
A method of contouring spinal rods, and systems therefor. The surgeon uses image guided surgery instruments to identify the locations of the screw heads through which the rod will pass. These locations allow a computer to form a best fit line that corresponds to the shape of a rod that can pass through the screw heads. This best fit line is then displayed on a projection table from both its coronal and sagittal views. The surgeon then shapes the rod using these 2-D images as a template.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) implanting a plurality of pedicle screws into the spine of a patient, each screw having a head, b) contacting a tracking device to each head to allow a computer system to construct a virtual rod therefrom, c) reading a geometric descriptor of the virtual rod displayed by the computer system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) identifying locations of a plurality of screw heads attached to the spine of a patient, b) creating a virtual rod from the locations of the screw heads. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer comprising:
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a) means for identifying locations of a plurality of screw heads attached to the spine of a patient, b) means for creating a virtual rod from the locations of the screw heads. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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22. A method comprising the steps of:
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a) implanting a plurality of implants into the spine of a patient, b) coupling a tracking device to each implant to allow a computer system to construct a virtual rod therefrom, c) reading a geometric descriptor of the virtual rod displayed by the computer system.
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Specification