Research data supporting the PhD thesis Fix(at)ing the Spine

The spine serves as our literal backbone, providing support and facilitating movement, but spinal issues can greatly impact daily life. Spinal fusion surgery addresses severe problems by fusing adjacent vertebrae using pedicle screws and rods. However, traditional fixation methods like these encounter challenges such as screw loosening, particularly in weaker bone. This thesis presents an exploratory study delving into alternative bone anchor designs to enhance the fixation strength. Additionally, this thesis explores the use of steerable bone drills to enable alternative anchor trajectories, aiming to further enhance the fixation. This thesis also examines additional functionalities, such as tissue removal, to improve medical procedures. Through these investigations, the thesis aims to advance spinal fusion surgery techniques, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

脊柱作为人体名副其实的支柱，既承担支撑功能又助力躯体活动，然而脊柱疾患却会严重影响日常生活。脊柱融合手术通过使用椎弓根螺钉（pedicle screws）与连接棒（rods）融合相邻椎体，以治疗重症脊柱病变。但此类传统固定方式存在螺钉松动等缺陷，尤其在骨质薄弱的患者群体中更为突出。本论文开展探索性研究，旨在研发新型骨锚钉设计方案以提升固定强度。此外，本论文还探索了可操纵骨钻（steerable bone drills）的应用，以实现多样化的锚钉置入轨迹，进一步强化固定效果。同时，本论文对诸如组织清除等附加功能进行了探究，以优化临床手术流程。通过上述研究，本论文旨在推动脊柱融合手术技术的发展，最终改善患者的临床预后与生活质量。