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.