Optimization algorithm to minimize rod curvature in verteral fusion surgery

@Article {
title = {Optimization algorithm to minimize rod curvature in verteral fusion surgery},
pages = {S137-S138},
keywds = {
computer-assisted surgery, pedicle screws, intervertebral rods, vertebral fusion
}
abstract = {

Vertebral fusion consists on fixating vertebrae together by inserting screws through the pedicles and joining the screws together with intervertebral rods. In previous research [1], this team developed a planning algorithm for the automated determination of optimal pedicle screw sizes and trajectories, which was then clinically evaluated. One of the main drawbacks pointed out by the clinicians was that the screw heads of a same side (i.e. left or right pedicles) did sometimes not follow a smooth curvature, so the attached rod would need to be twisty and difficult to insert. Also, our algorithm did not consider the rotation of polyaxial heads, which gives additional degrees of freedom when designing rod curvature that need to be addressed. Hence, the purpose of this work is to present a comple-
mentary algorithm that provides the optimal alignment of screw heads after trajectory planning by rotating the polyaxial heads, so that the inserted rod’s curvature is as smooth as possible.

}
date = {2024-06-18},
}