Systems and methods for implantation of spinal plate
A method for implanting a spinal plate includes the steps of displaying information about target vertebrae on which the implantation is to be performed and inserting a spacing device between two adjacent vertebrae to achieve a desired relationship there between. The method further includes planning placement of the spinal plate to achieve a desired relationship between the two adjacent vertebrae and defining a virtual cutting boundary on a virtual representation of each of the first and the second vertebrae according to the planned placement of the spinal plate. The method further includes tracking the vertebrae using a tracking array and tracking a position of a cutting tool held by a force feedback device as the tool is manipulated to form a sculpted cavity independently on each vertebrae for receiving the spinal plate, and providing force feedback to the user indicative of interaction between the tool and the virtual cutting boundary.
1. A method for preparing a bone for implantation of a spinal plate during a surgical procedure, comprising:
displaying, at a display device, information about a spinal target region of a patient including a first vertebra and a second vertebra on which the implantation is to be performed;
inserting a spacing device between the first and second vertebrae to achieve a desired relationship between the first and second vertebrae;
planning placement of a spinal plate on the spinal target region to maintain the desired relationship between the first and second vertebrae;
defining a virtual cutting boundary on a virtual representation of each of the first and the second vertebrae according to the planned placement of the spinal plate on the spinal target region;
tracking the first and second vertebrae using a tracking array attached to the spacing device;
tracking a position of a tracked surgical cutting tool held by a force feedback device as the surgical cutting tool is manipulated to form a sculpted cavity independently on each of the first and the second vertebrae for receiving the spinal plate; and
providing feedback to the user indicative of interaction between the surgical cutting tool and the virtual cutting boundary.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising implanting the spinal plate on the first and second vertebrae within the sculpted cavities, such that a top surface of the spinal plate is substantially flush with a surface of the first and second vertebrae.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual cutting boundaries correspond to a shape of the spinal plate.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual cutting boundaries correspond to one or more dimensions of the spinal plate.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical cutting tool is a surgical burr.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the spinal target region is the cervical region of the spine.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the spinal target region is the lumbar region of the spine.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
defining a virtual cutting boundary in the intervertebral disc space between the first and second vertebrae according to the planned placement of the spinal plate on the spinal target region; and
tracking a position of the surgical cutting tool held by the force feedback device as the surgical cutting tool is manipulated to form a sculpted cavity in the intervertebral disc space.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sculpted cavities further comprise at least one predrilled hole for receiving an engagement member to engage the spinal plate with the bone.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying, at a display device, an anatomical image of the anatomy of the patient including a representation of the surgical cutting tool as the surgical cutting tool moves during the surgical procedure.